A Genetic Algorithm for Improving the Workload Smoothness in Mixed Model Assembly Lines

혼합모델 조립라인에서 작업부하의 평활화를 위한 유전알고리듬

When balancing mixed model assembly lines (MMALs), workload smoothness should be considered on the model-by-model basis as well as on the station-by-station basis. This is because although station-by-station assignments may provide the equality of workload to workers, it causes the utilization of assembly lines to be inefficient due to the model sequences. This paper presents a genetic algorithm to improve the workload smoothness on both the station-by-station and the model-by-model basis in balancing MMALs. Proposed is a function by which the two kinds of workloads smoothness can be evaluated according to the various preferences of line managers. To enhance the capability of searching good solutions, our genetic algorithm puts emphasis on the utilization of problem-specific information and heuristics in the design of representation scheme and genetic operators. Experimental results show that our algorithm can provide better solutions than existing heuristics. In particular, our algorithm is outstanding on the problems with a larger number of stations or a larger number of tasks.