Some Fundamentals

Abstract

This chapter describes the data, computations, and decisions needed to control an assembly line. The key data includes the work elements, the element times, the predecessor elements, the unit time, shift time and the shift schedule quantity. The data is used to compute the number of operators needed on the line, the cycle time, average operator time, balance delay and the efficiency ratio. The management can assign the work elements to the operators where the operator times are evenly distributed and all precedence constraints are satisfied accordingly. This step is called line balancing. Next, the operator times are measured along with the effective cycle time and effective balance delay. The bill-of-material of the product(s) now enters as data to determine the part and component requirements needed for a shift duration at every station along the line. The chapter also describes the relation between the main line, feeder lines, subassembly lines and labor groups, as well as the use of parallel stations and parallel lines.