Work-Load and Server Allocation Problems

Abstract

In this chapter, two separate design problems are considered, viz., the work-load allocation problem and the server allocation problem in production lines. In a broad sense both design problems are related to the allocation of work from the point of view of the operators. Section 4.1 of the chapter describes what is classically known as the work-load allocation problem, i.e., the allocation of work to each station of the line so that all the required work is undertaken having in mind any precedence requirements. A well-known empirically observed phenomenon, namely the bowl phenomenon, is described. Some computational issues are then discussed. In Section 4.2, the server allocation problem is described. In Section 4.3, the simultaneous optimization of the work allocation and server allocation problems is considered. Associated with this double optimal problem is the so-called L-phenomenon.