Mixed-model parallel two-sided assembly line balancing problem: A flexible agent-based ant colony optimization approach

Abstract

Assembly lines are frequently used as a production method to assemble complex products. Two-sided assembly lines are utilized to assemble large-sized products (e.g., cars, buses, trucks). Locating two lines in parallel helps improve line efficiency by enabling collaboration between the line workers. This paper proposes a mixed-model parallel twosided assembly line system that can be utilized to produce large-sized items in an inter-mixed sequence. The mixed-model parallel two-sided line balancing problem is defined and the advantages of utilizing multi-line stations across the lines are discussed. A flexible agent-based ant colony optimization algorithm is developed to solve the problem and a numerical example is given to explain the method systematically. The proposed algorithm builds flexible balancing solutions suitable for any model sequence launched. The dynamically changing workloads of workstations (based on specific product models during the production process) are also explored. A comprehensive experimental study is conducted and the results are statistically analyzed using the well-known paired sample t-test. The test results indicate that the mixed-model parallel two-sided assembly line system reduces the workforce need in comparison with separately balanced mixed-model two-sided lines. It is also shown that the proposed algorithm outperforms the tabu search algorithm and six heuristics often used in the assembly line balancing domain.  Section 3 has been re-written in elucidate manner. More explanations on acronyms used in Section 5.1 have been added for clarification. The manuscript has been carefully reviewed by an experienced proof-reader whose first language is English and who specializes in reviewing papers written by authors whose native language is not English.Our detailed responses to reviewer's comments have also been attached to this document.We hope that these revisions will be sufficient to make our manuscript suitable for publication in 'Computers & Industrial Engineering'. We believe that this study will become a base point for further works and yield more researches in this domain by attracting further interests from both academia and industry.We shall look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. AbstractAssembly lines are frequently used as a production method to assemble complex products. Two-sided assembly lines are utilized to assemble large-sized products (e.g., Mixed-model Parallel Detailed Response to ReviewersOverall:The Authors have addressed all comments and queries, but still the paper needs some minor improvements. Response:Your comments are appreciated. All comments have been addressed individually and the blue font has been used in the revised paper to highlight the changes performed. Please find below the detailed responses to your comments. Comment-1:In proposed methodology, authors mentioned that heuristic and metaheuristic is used when it is hard to get solution, what does it mean? Response-1: Thank you for your comment. The sentence ...

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