Mixed model assembly alternatives for low-volume manufacturing: The case of the aerospace industry

In this paper, we investigate new alternatives for mixed model assembly in low-volume manufacturing environments where the efficient utilization of la bor and/or machinery presents significant challenges. A total of four model s are developed for evaluating cycle time and worker allocation alternative s with respect to labor and inventory holding costs. These models include o ne linear and two nonlinear programs, which are formulated to evaluate cons tant and variable cycle time policies. A separate model is used to evaluate the benefits associated with allocating workers to different stations alon g the assembly line under different cycle time alternatives. We successfull y applied these models to an airplane assembly process characterized by low -volume manufacturing. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.