Title: A queuing network and Markov chain approach for balancing assembly line: a case study

Authors: Iraj Barati; Roya M. Ahari; Milad Asadpour

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Najafabad, Iran ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Najafabad, Iran ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Najafabad, Iran; Young Researchers and Elite Club, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Najafabad, Iran

Abstract: Having a balanced assembly line is a strength point for any manufacturing company and results in reducing costs as well as decreasing processing time and increasing productivity. Allocating activities to workstations regarding least number of workstations and idle time of each station with respect to the prerequisite relationships of assembly line activities are the main purposes in balancing assembly line problems. Accordingly, in this study, a mathematical model has been developed and considering the assembly line as a queuing network, a Markov chain has been formed and balance rate equations added into the basic model. In addition, obtained results from a real case study in Iran, Esfahan, approved the applicability and efficiency of the proposed approach and indicated an improvement in the levelling of the idle time of resources at workstations.

Keywords: queuing network; Markov chain; balancing assembly line; idle time.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAOM.2022.122699

International Journal of Advanced Operations Management, 2022 Vol.14 No.1, pp.56 - 73

Accepted: 24 May 2021
Published online: 05 May 2022 *