A Cost-Based Methodology for Stochastic Line Balancing with Intermittent Line Stoppages

Fred N. Silverman and John C. Carter
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Fred N. Silverman: Lubin Graduate School of Business, Pace University, White Plains, New York 10601
John C. Carter: Lubin Graduate School of Business, Pace University, White Plains, New York 10601

Management Science, 1986, vol. 32, issue 4, 455-463

Abstract: This paper examines the effect of stochastic task times on the total operating costs of a continuously paced assembly line under the assumption that the line is stopped whenever at least one work station requires more time than allotted. A comprehensive stochastic cost function is integrated into an efficient balancing algorithm to enable an approximately minimum cost balance to be obtained. An experiment was conducted to determine the cost savings resulting from using the stochastic method as compared to two deterministic methods. The stochastic method of this paper produced lower cost balances in most cases studied.

Keywords: production/scheduling: line balancing; facilities/equipment planning: design; costing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1986
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:32:y:1986:i:4:p:455-463

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