Open AccessNote—Sequencing JIT Mixed-Model Assembly Lines
Author(s) -
Robert R. Inman,
Robert L. Bulfin
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.954
H-Index - 255
eISSN - 1526-5501
pISSN - 0025-1909
DOI - 10.1287/mnsc.37.7.901
Subject(s) - assembly line , sequence (biology) , computer science , mixed model , function (biology) , algorithm , constant (computer programming) , mathematical optimization , production line , mathematics , engineering , evolutionary biology , biology , programming language , mechanical engineering , genetics , machine learning
We provide a new formulation and solution procedure to sequence a mixed model just-in-time (JIT) assembly system. Mixed model JIT assembly systems are a fundamental part of the well-known "Toyota Production System." The underlying idea in sequencing these systems is to maintain a constant usage rate of all parts on the line. We give a polynomial algorithm to determine the optimal sequence for an objective function that is mathematically different, but intuitively similar to the objective functions of previous researchers. Furthermore, a computational study indicates that the new algorithm is robust in that its sequences are as good as those generated by other algorithms when evaluated with respect to traditional objectives, but are found 200 times faster.production/scheduling, assembly lines, inventory/production, just-in-time