THE EFFECT OF LEARNING ON THE OPERATION OF MIXED‐MODEL ASSEMBLY LINES

Abstract

The common approach to balancing mixed‐model assembly lines assumes that the line operators are well trained and that the learning effect is negligible. The assumption is that the line operates in steady state over a long period of time. Time‐based competition and frequent design changes in many products make this assumption incorrect, and the effect of learning on mixed‐model lines should not be neglected.We defined start‐up period and developed a model for the line design during start‐up. It can be used to evaluate a proposed line design or to develop a feasible line design and to estimate its cost. This proposed model integrates mixed‐model learning curves with aggregate planning under learning and a mixed‐model line design into a comprehensive framework designed to minimize the total cost of the line during the start‐up period.