Model and heuristics for the Assembly Line Worker Integration and Balancing Problem. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moreira, Mayron César O.; Miralles, Cristóbal; Costa, Alysson M.
• Is Part Of: Computers & operations research. Volume 54(2015)
• Page Start: 64
• Page End: 73
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Assembly line balancing -- Disabled workers -- Mathematical modeling; Operations research -- Periodicals; Electronic digital computers -- Periodicals; 004.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cor.2014.08.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-0548

Abstract

Abstract: We propose the Assembly Line Worker Integration and Balancing Problem (ALWIBP), a new assembly line balancing problem arising in lines with conventional and disabled workers. The goal of this problem is to maintain high productivity levels by minimizing the number of workstations needed to reach a given output, while integrating in the assembly line a number of disabled workers. Being able to efficiently manage a heterogeneous workforce is especially important in the current social context where companies are urged to integrate workers with different profiles. In this paper we present mathematical models and heuristic methodologies that can help assembly line managers to cope with this additional complexity. We demonstrate by means of a robust benchmark how this integration can be done with losses of productivity that are much lower than expected.