Evaluation of Mixed-Model U-line Operational Designs
Document Type
Article
Keywords
U-line design; mixed-model; lean manufacturing; productivity; inventory control; work rules
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell
Publication Source
International Transactions in Operational Research
Abstract
Often in lean manufacturing, multiple products are produced in U-shaped manufacturing cells to simultaneously achieve product variety and production efficiency. We examine two design issues for mixed-model U-lines: work rules (a first-come-first-serve rule and a crossover-and-return rule) and inventory flow choices (direct flow and buffered flow). Simulation results indicated that throughput and labor utilization can be improved by implementing a 'buffer' with the first-come-first-serve rule. Interestingly, the effectiveness of an inventory flow choice was dependent on the work rule (interaction effect), and relationships among performance dimensions differed across the designs.
Comments
Published by Wiley-Blackwell in International Transactions in Operational Research, volume 20 issue 6, 2013. Bryant users may access this article here.