Title: Shortening line length in a mixed-model assembly line by installing a single pull-off table

Authors: Hiroshi Miyazaki; Haruki Matsuura; Akiko Asada; Kenji Hirano

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Kanagawa University, Rokkakubashi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 221-8686, Japan ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Kanagawa University, Rokkakubashi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 221-8686, Japan ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Kanagawa University, Rokkakubashi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 221-8686, Japan ' Department of Production and Electronic Systems Engineering, Polytechnic University, 2-32-1 Ogawanishimachi, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo 187-0035, Japan

Abstract: This paper explores to what extent line length can be shortened in a mixed-model assembly line by installing a single pull-off table. The number of resultant model sequences to which the table can be altered from the original model sequence compared with the number using random access buffers such as an automated storage and retrieval system is discussed. The line length realised by installing a pull-off table is also discussed based upon possible altered model sequences in order to provide guidelines on where to install a pull-off table. In addition, a procedure for installing a pull-off table is presented with a numerical example.

Keywords: mixed-model assembly lines; pull-off tables; line length; sequencing; random access buffers; automated storage and retrieval systems; AS/RS; pull-off table location.

DOI: 10.1504/AJMSA.2015.075339

Asian Journal of Management Science and Applications, 2015 Vol.2 No.2, pp.130 - 153

Received: 07 Oct 2014
Accepted: 14 Oct 2015
Published online: 15 Mar 2016 *

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