Simulation based worker transfer system for mixed model team oriented assembly lines

This paper introduces a systematic worker transfer system for team oriented assembly lines in which workers are organized in groups. However, in such lines, output from an assembly line may be severely restricted if different station times lead to bottleneck and idle stations. Both blocking and idle times are considered in the determination of these stations via simulation in this paper. Then, model sequencing with four sequencing alternatives and worker transfers between sequential stations are utilized as the two techniques to minimize blocking and assembly lead times. A real life mixed model tractor assembly system is presented to demonstrate the application of the proposed system.