Balancing and sequencing manual mixed-model assembly lines

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This paper analyses some typical problems of manual, mixed-model assembly lines. In particular, it presents new balancing and production sequencing methodologies which pursue the following common goals: (1) minimizing the rate of incomplete jobs (in paced lines and in moving lines) or the probability of blocking/starvation events (in unpaced lines); (2) reducing WIP. The balancing methodology also aims at minimizing the number of stations on the line; the sequencing technique also provides a uniform parts usage, which is a typical goal in just in time production systems.