Mixed-model assembly occurs when more than one model of the same general product are intermixed on one assembly line. The amount of work required to assemble units can vary from model to model, creating an uneven flow of work along the line. This paper describes a procedure of adapting single-model line balancing techniques to mixed-model schedules. The paper also introduces a sequencing procedure for determining the order in which models are to flow down the line. Because the line balancing and sequencing procedures consider a wide variety of factors, they are applicable to many types of assembly lines.

The general practice in mixed model assembly line balancing is to assign work to stations in a manner that each station has an equal amount of work on a daily or shift basis. This paper shows how a modification to mixed model line balancing algorithms can be used so that the stations are loaded more consistently on a model by model basis as well. In addition, the modification now allows mixed model line balancing to become a plausible tool for batched assembly line processes. The procedure is general in nature and is applicable to most line balancing algorithms.

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