Title: The operator-machine assignment problem

Authors: Edward F. Stafford

Addresses: College of Administrative Science, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA

Abstract: This paper describes three approaches to solving the operator-machine assignment problem. Difference equations are used to prove the optimality of the third approach, a three-step simple and quick solution technique. Techniques for performing sensitivity analyses on the operator and machine operating cost values are presented and illustrated with an example. Four additional objective functions, in addition to the classical one of minimising per unit manufacturing cost, are presented and discussed. [Received 29 November 2006; Revised 5 April 2007; Accepted 27 May 2007]

Keywords: operator-machine assignment; operator idleness; machine interference idleness; cost minimisation; cycle time.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIE.2007.014691

European Journal of Industrial Engineering, 2007 Vol.1 No.3, pp.341 - 353

Published online: 25 Jul 2007 *

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