A Framework for the Modelling and Optimisation of a Lean Assembly System Design with Multiple Objectives

Abstract

The newest assembly system is lean assembly, which is specifically designed to respond quickly and economically to the fluctuating nature of the market demands. Successful designs for these systems must be capable of satisfying the strategic objectives of a management in manufacturing company. An example of such systems is the so-called walking worker assembly line WWAL, in which each cross-trained worker travels along the line to carry out all tasks required to complete a job. Design approaches for this system have not been investigated in depth both of significant role in manual assembly process design; productivity and ergonomics. Therefore these approaches have had a limited success in actual applications. This chapter presents an innovative and integrated framework which offers significant potential improvement for productivity and ergonomics requirements in WWAL design. It establishes a systematic approach clearly demonstrating the implementation of a developed framework based on the simultaneous application of mathematical and meta- heuristic techniques.