Improving Assembly Line Efficiency and Output Using Assembly Line Balancing and Reducing Non-Value-Added Activities

Abstract

Assembly line balancing (line balancing) is a very important tool in today’s competitive environment, as companies need to increase their output without compromising with the quality. Line balancing helps in getting desirable output by equally distributing the work contents at the work stations of an assembly line. Also, removing some non-value-added activities can help in saving time, thus indirectly contributing to efficiency. This paper presents the case study of Wire Harness Company (Delphi Automotive Systems) where the efficiency and output of the assembly line have been improved using assembly line balancing techniques. Here the cycle time at various stations has been balanced so as to get the desired results. Also, some non-value-added activities have been removed to contribute to efficiency.