A new approach based on queuing theory for solving the assembly line balancing problem using fuzzy prioritization techniques

Abstract

Determining the number of operators for manufacturing operations is important in assembly line balancing. Optimal allocation of manpower increases production efficiency, thus, increasing proffts of the companies. Since there is a possibility to assign different numbers of machines to each operator, a variety of scenarios of machine assignment to operators will occur. Our goal in writing this paper is to help managers choose the best possible scenario. In this model, each of the possible scenarios is modeled using the principles of queuing theory, and costs and revenues for each of these scenarios are calculated. Since uncertainty is an important part of the manufacturing environments, a fuzzy logic model is proposed to consider the uncertainty in problem. Since some inputs of the model, such as service rate and arrival rate, are fuzzy, profft of the model will be a fuzzy number. Therefore, we use fuzzy ranking methods for prioritizing the scenarios.