A queuing network and Markov chain approach for balancing assembly line: a case study. (4th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barati, Iraj; Ahari, Roya M.; Asadpour, Milad
• Is Part Of: International journal of advanced operations management. Volume 14:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 56
• Page End: 73
• Publication Date: 2022-05-04
• Subjects: queuing network -- Markov chain -- balancing assembly line -- idle time; Business logistics -- Periodicals; Industrial management -- Periodicals; 658.5005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-938X

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.