Improved dynamic programming model implementation for balancing the U-shaped production line

Authors

Chun Hung Cheng, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Angappa Gunasekaran, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Kin Chuen Matthew Ho, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Kwun Tong), Vocational Training CouncilFollow

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2010

Keywords

Line balancing, Production lines, U-lines, Just-in-time, JIT manufacturing, Dynamic programming, Straight lines, Volume flexibility, Operator flexibility, Materials handling, Product quality, Awkward walking patterns, Industrial engineering

DOI

10.1504/IJISE.2010.035726

Abstract

U-lines have been used to implement JIT manufacturing. Manufacturers find that U-lines perform better than straight line in volume flexibility, operator flexibility, material handling and product quality. In this work, we attempt to improve dynamic programming (DP) for obtaining a balance in a U-line. In this DP implementation, we consider practical characteristics of the line. This consideration eliminates producing a balance with awkward walking pattern in the line. Computational results using well-known literature problems are also presented.

Source Publication

International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering

Volume Number

6

Issue Number

4

ISSN

1748-5037

First Page

463

Last Page

482

Recommended Citation

Cheng, C.,Gunasekaran, A.,& Ho, K. (2010). Improved dynamic programming model implementation for balancing the U-shaped production line. International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 6 (4), 463-482. http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJISE.2010.035726