The growing global competition compels organizations to use many productivity improvement techniques. In this direction, assembly line balancing helps an organization to design its assembly line such that its balancing efficiency is maximized. If the organization assembles more than one model in the same line, then the objective is to maximize the average balancing efficiency of the models of the mixed model assembly line balancing problem. Maximization of average balancing efficiency of the models along with minimization of makespan of sequencing models forms a multi-objective function. This is a realistic objective function which combines the balancing efficiency and makespan. This assembly line balancing problem with multi-objective comes under combinatorial category. Hence, development of meta-heuristic is inevitable. In this paper, an attempt has been made to develop three genetic algorithms for the mixed model assembly line balancing problem such that the average balancing efficiency of the model is maximized and the makespan of sequencing the models is minimized. Finally, these three algorithms and another algorithm in literature modified to solve the mixed-model assembly line balancing problem are compared in terms of the stated multi-objective function using a randomly generated set of problems through a complete factorial experiment.
Companies engaged in mass production use assembly line balancing to design its assembly line by taking necessary input. Assembly line balancing is the process of grouping the tasks of precedence network of a product that is assembled into a minimum number of workstations such that the sum of the task times in each of the workstations is less than or equal to the cycle time.
The cycle time is computed based on a given production volume per shift using the following formula [
The process of minimizing the number of workstations amounts to maximizing the balancing efficiency of the assembly line. This type of problem is called as assembly line balancing problem 1 (ALBP 1). In contrary, for a given number of workstations, the objective may be to minimize the maximum of the sum of the task times of workstations. This problem is called as assembly line balancing problem 2 (ALBP 2). This in turn maximizes the production volume per shift.
The balancing efficiency of the solution of the assembly line balancing problem is given by the following formula [
where,
N is the number of tasks.
tj is the required time of the task j.
CT is the cycle time.
NS is the number of workstations.
Now-a-days, companies assemble more than one model in the same line mainly to meet the demands of its customers on continuous basis, which necessitates the use of mixed-model assembly line balancing. Here, the objective is to maximize the average balancing efficiency of the models. Further, sequencing of the models with minimum makespan along with the maximization of the average balancing efficiency of the models will improve the productivity of the company very much.
In this paper, the ALBP 1 problem with a mixed-model is considered. In this problem, there will be many models which are to be produced in batches using the same assembly line. The presence of a mixed-model makes the design of the assembly line more complex, in terms of processing times of the tasks and cycle times of the model. The average processing time (Tj) of each task as given by the following formula is normally taken as the representative value of the task time for that task.
where,
tij is the time of the task j in the model i.
N is the number of tasks.
m is the number of models.
Tj is the average time of the task j.
NMj is the number of models in which the processing time of the task j is more than zero.
Researchers in the past except [
The concept of combined network in the mixed-model assembly line balancing problem is demonstrated using two models, viz. Model 1 and Model 2, whose precedence networks are shown in
In this paper, the mixed model assembly line balancing problem with sequencing of models is considered with the objective of maximizing the average balancing efficiency of the models and minimizing the makespan of sequencing the models through the workstations.
This section presents the review of literature of the mixed-model assembly line balancing problem. The contributions of the researchers are broadly classified into the following three categories:
1) Mixed model assembly line balancing problems;
2) Sequencing in mixed model assembly lines;
3) Mixed model assembly line balancing problems with model sequencing.
The literature of the mixed model assembly line balancing problem with the primary objective of balancing the line is presented under the following categories:
・ Mathematical models;
・ Branch and bound method;
・ Heuristics;
・ Genetic algorithms;
・ Simulated annealing algorithms;
・ ACO algorithm;
・ Multiple colony bees algorithm.
Mathematical Models
Gokcen and Erel [
Mathematical models cannot solve large size problems of mixed-model assembly line balancing problems, because the number of variables and the number of constraints that can be used in the software that solves the models are limited in the form of upper limit. So, there use is limited to very small size problems.
Branch and Bound Method
Bukchin and Rabinowitch [
Brach and bound method is a curtailed enumeration method. So, it can solve relatively large size problem when compared to mathematical models. For some problems, the total number of nodes evaluated may be closer to the maximum number of nodes of the branching tree. On such occasion, the time required to solve the mixed model assembly line balancing problem with the objective of minimizing the number of workstations by this method will be too large.
Heuristics
Matanachai and Yano [
Use of heuristics is considered to be a better choice for the mixed-model assembly line balancing problem, because it comes under combinatorial problem. But, the solution of a heuristic may not be very closer to the optimal solution of this problem. Hence, researchers directed their researches towards developing meta-heuristic such as genetic algorithm, ant colony optimization algorithm, etc. for the assembly line balancing problems, which are presented in the following sections.
Genetic Algorithms
Chutima and Iammi [
Sivasankaran and Shahabudeen [
The performance of a genetic algorithm may be affected by the crossover method used in it. Hence, future research may be directed to design genetic algorithms with different crossover methods and compare them for selecting the best among them.
ACO Algorithm
Yagmahan [
Multiple Colony Hybrid Bees Algorithm
Akpinar and Baykasoglu [
From literature, it is seen that researchers concentrated in developing mathematical models, branch and bound algorithm, heuristics, genetic algorithms, ant colony optimization algorithm, etc for the mixed-model assembly line balancing problem with the objectives of minimizing the number of workstations and improving other measures.
In addition to balancing the mixed model assembly lines, the study of effects of sequencing the models through the designed workstations forms a significant research. So, this section presents review of literature on sequencing models in mixed-model assembly lines for a given configuration of workstations under the following classification:
・ Mathematical model;
・ Heuristics;
・ Tabu search algorithm;
・ Genetic algorithms;
・ Simulated annealing algorithms;
・ Hybrid algorithm.
Mathematical Models
Dar-El and Cucuy [
Heuristics
Ding and Cheng [
Bautista and Cano [
Tabu Search Algorithm
Scholl, Klein and Domschke [
Genetic Algorithms
Kim, Hyun and Kim [
Simulated Annealing Algorithms
Xiaobo and Ohno [
Hybrid Algorithm
Rahimi-Vahed and Mirzaei [
From the literature on sequencing the models through workstations of the mixed-model assembly line with varied objectives, it is clear that researches have been carried in developing mathematical models, tabu search, genetic algorithms, simulated annealing algorithms and hybrid algorithm. Since, sequencing falls under combinatorial problem researchers can continue to develop much efficient meta-heuristics to improve their performance measures.
Simultaneous consideration of the design of assembly lines and the sequencing of models through the designed workstations brings manifold benefits in terms of realistic improvement on several performance measures. This section presents a review of literature on the mixed-model assembly line balancing problem with model sequencing under the following classifications:
・ Heuristics;
・ Simulated annealing algorithms.
Heuristics
Thomopoulos [
Simulated Annealing Algorithm
Ozcan et al. [
From the literature, it is clear that considerable number of researchers contributed to balance the mixed-model assembly line balancing problem as well as sequencing of models in the mixed model assembly line. A very few research is carried out on simultaneous consideration of balancing and sequencing of models in the mixed-model assembly line.
Hence, in this paper, the simultaneous consideration of the mixed-model assembly line balancing with model sequencing through the workstations with multi-objective is considered. The components of the multi-objective function are maximizing the average balancing efficiency of the models and minimizing makespan of sequencing the models through workstations. Among different algorithms, genetic algorithm plays a significant role in improving the performance measures of this problem, because its variance can be studied through different crossover methods as well as methods of forming workstations. So, in this paper, four different genetic algorithms are presented and compared using a complete factorial experiment with four factors, viz. problem size, problem structure, algorithm and cycle time.
The problem considered in this paper is the mixed-model assembly line balancing problem with M models. Each model has a specific set of tasks to be performed. The tasks of the combined model form a set of tasks which is the union of the tasks of the individual models. Let, the number of tasks in model 1 and model 2 and the combined model of the model 1 and model 2 be n1, n2 and n, respectively. Then the value of n will be less than n1 + n2. In combined model, if a task is present in a model, then it has a deterministic task time; otherwise, it is assumed as zero.
The objective of this research is to group the tasks of the combined model into a minimum number of work- stations without violating precedence constraints for a common cycle time, which in turn maximizes the average balancing efficiency of the models, and sequence the models in the assembly line with minimum makespan.
In this paper, three different genetic algorithms are designed for the mixed-model assembly line balancing problem, in which the original times of the tasks are used while concurrently designing the workstations of the models, such that the average balancing efficiency of the models is maximized and the makespan of sequencing the models is minimized. Then, these three algorithms and the genetic algorithm developed by Sivasankaran and Shahabudeen (2013b) adopted to this problem are compared using a randomly generated data set as per a complete factorial experiment with four factors, viz. Problem Size, Problem Structure, Algorithm and Cycle Time, in terms of the multi-objective stated above.
The above multi-objective is represented as given below.
where, ηi is the efficiency of the model i.
m is the number of models.
M is the makespan of sequencing models in the assembly line.
In this function F, the average balancing efficiency is in percentage and the makespan is in time unit. To covert them in common unit, the makespan is converted into excess percentage of makespan (EPMS) using the following formula, if genetic algorithm is used to solve the problem.
where,
M is the actual makespan of sequencing models in the assembly line.
K is the number of chromosomes in the population.
MSj is the makespan of the jth chromosome in the population.
The above conversion matches the unit of the excess percentage of makespan with that of balancing efficiency in terms of percentage.
The multi-objective after matching the units of its components is presented below.
Further, if the actual makespan of a chromosome is equal to the minimum of the makespan values of the chromosomes of the population, then the excess percentage of makespan (EPMS) will be equal to zero, which coincides with the objective of the second component of the objective function F. This forms a rationale of minimizing the makespan of the model chromosome.
In this research, four different genetic algorithms as given below are presented to solve the mixed-model assembly line balancing problem with model sequencing to maximize the average balancing efficiency of the models and minimize the makespan of sequencing the models.
・ Genetic algorithm with cyclic crossover method for task chromosomes [
・ Genetic algorithm with forward crossover method for task chromosomes and reflection crossover method for model chromosomes, ALGS2 (Proposed).
・ Genetic algorithm with reverse crossover method for task chromosomes and reflection crossover method for model chromosomes, ALGS3 (Proposed).
・ Genetic algorithm with cyclic crossover method for task chromosomes and reflection crossover method for model chromosomes, and modified workstation formation , ALGS4 (Proposed).
The genetic algorithm begins its working starting from an initial population of say K chromosomes. Each chromosome represents a possible solution of the problem of interest. It evaluates each and every chromosome and obtains the value of its fitness function. Then it sorts them in descending order of the values of the fitness function in the case of maximization problem. Then a subpopulation is selected for crossover operation from the top of the sorted list and then each offspring that is obtained after performing crossover operation and mutation, is evaluated and placed in the respective chromosome of the population. The whole exercise is repeated for a specified number of iterations called generation and finally the best chromosome is selected for implementation [
In this paper, two types of population, viz. task population and model population are used. The tasks of the combined model are randomly assigned to different positions of a chromosome to form a task chromosome. Similarly, the different model numbers are randomly assigned to different gene positions of a chromosome to form a model chromosome. The sequence of gene entries in a model chromosome represents the model sequencing (scheduling), which means that sequencing of the models through the workstations of the assembly line. The proportion of model entries in the model chromosome is in proportion to the production volumes of the models.
The solution of the assembly line balancing problem using genetic algorithm may be affected by crossover methods. Hence, in this paper, the following crossover methods for task chromosomes are incorporated in the genetic algorithm to derive three different GA based algorithms.
・ Cyclic crossover method;
・ Forward crossover method;
・ Reverse crossover method.
A chromosome consists of a sequence of genes. For the mixed model assembly line balancing problem, a combined model is derived using the tasks of all the models. The chromosome consists of tasks of the combined model as shown in
In this paper, the cyclic crossover method implemented in the genetic algorithm developed by Senthilkumar and Shahabudeen [
Step 1: Generate two crossover points randomly. Let them be 4 and 7.
Step 2: Identify the values of the genes in the task chromosome 1 between the two crossover points inclusive of the crossover points. These values are 10, 4, 9 and 8.
Step 3: Form the offspring 2 whose gene positions are filled with the genes of the task chromosome 2 as shown in
Step 4: In the offspring 2, wherever the gene value is equal to each of the gene values identified between the two crossover points of the task chromosome 1, set it to 0 as shown in
Step 5: Read the non-zero values of the genes from left to right of the offspring 2 and write them in cyclic order starting from the next position of the second crossover point, except the points between the two crossover points as shown in
Step 6: Write the values of the genes between the two crossover points of the task chromosome 1 in the empty positions of the offspring 2 starting from the first vacant position from left as shown in
Position i | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Task i | 6 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 4 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 7 | 5 |
Position i | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Task i | 4 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 8 |
Position i | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Task i of Offspring 2 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 8 |
Position i | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Task i of Offspring 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
Position i | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Task i of Offspring 2 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 7 |
Position i | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Task i of Offspring 2 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 10 | 4 | 9 | 8 | 2 | 5 | 7 |
Similarly, the offspring 1 to replace the chromosome 1 is created using the cyclic crossover method and it is as shown in
The steps of the forward crossover method for task chromosomes proposed in this paper are same as in the cyclic crossover method except Step 5.
Step 5: Read the non-zero values of the genes from left to right of the offspring 2 in
Similarly, the offspring 1 to replace the task chromosome 1 is created using the forward crossover method and it is as shown in
The steps of the reverse crossover method proposed in this paper are same as in the cyclic crossover method except Step 5.
Step 5: Read the non-zero values of the genes from left to right of the offspring 2 in
Similarly, the offspring 1 to replace the chromosome 1 is created using the reverse crossover method and it is shown in
As stated earlier, the fitness function for each combination of task chromosome and model chromosome consists of two components, viz. average balancing efficiency of the models and excess percentage of makespan. For each chromosome in the initial population of the model chromosomes, the makespan of sequencing the models as per sequence of genes in that model chromosome is to be obtained. This is done by computing completion times of the models represented by the genes of that model chromosome in different workstations and finally treating the completion time of the model represented by the last gene in the model chromosome in the last workstation as the makespan.
Position i | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Task i of Offspring 1 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 4 |
Position i | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Task i of Offspring 2 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 4 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 6 | 3 |
Position i | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Task i of Offspring 1 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 5 |
Position i | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Task i of Offspring 2 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 2 |
Position i | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Task i of Offspring 1 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 10 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
In this paper, reflection crossover method is proposed to perform crossover operation between a pair of model chromosomes in the subpopulation of model chromosomes. It is followed by mutation on each offspring for a given probability. Then, the makespan of sequencing the models through the workstations is computed. This makespan is used to compute the excess percentage of makespan (EPMS), which forms the second part of the objective function.
Guidelines to Form Model Chromosome
Let the ratio of production volume of two models which are to be assembled in the same line be V1:V2, where V1 is the volume of production of model 1 and V2 be the volume of production of model 2.
The ratio V1:V2 should the least integral multiples of the production volumes of the model 1 and model 2.
Let V1:V2 be 4:5.
Assume 9 genes for the model chromosome. Now, randomly assign model number 1 and model number 2 to different gene positions of the model chromosome in proportion to their production volumes 4:5 to create model chromosome 1 and model chromosome 2 as shown in
Steps of Reflection Crossover Method
Step 1: Input the model chromosome 1 (MC1) and the model chromosome 2 (MC2) as shown in
Step 2: Initialize offspring gene position (P) to 1.
Step 3: Randomly select a gene position in the model chromosome 1(MC1) and let it be X and the corresponding gene content is MC1X.
Also, set starting index (STARTIND ) of the model chromosome 1 to X.
Step 4: Store MC1X as the Pth gene of the model offspring O [OP = MC1X] and remove the gene entry at the location X of the model chromosome 2.
Step 5: In the model chromosome 2 [MC2], find the gene positions from among the available genes, for which their gene values are equal to MC1X.
Step 6: Randomly select one of the genes of the model chromosome 2 identified in Step 5 and identify its location. Let that location be Z.
Step 7: If Z = STARTIND, then go to Step 12; otherwise go to Step 8.
Step 8: Remove the gene entry at the location Z of the model chromosome 2.
Step 9: Increment the gene position of the model offspring by 1 [P = P + 1].
Step 10: Store the Zth gene of the model chromosome 1 as the Pth gene of the model offspring and store Zin X, OP = MC1Z, X = Z.
Step 11: Go to Step 5.
Step 12: Copy the remaining (unselected) genes of the model chromosomes 1 (MC1) as the genes of the model offspring starting from its P + 1th gene position to form the complete model offspring 1.
Gene Position I | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gene MC1I | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Gene Position I | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gene MC2I | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Gene Position I | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gene MC1I | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Gene Position I | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gene MC2I | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Step 13: Swap the original model chromosomes and perform the above steps to obtain the model offspring 2.
Step 14: Stop.
The implementation of the steps of the reflection crossover method is shown in
The serial assignment of tasks in a task chromosome to workstations from left to right without violating precedence constraints of the combined model gives a feasible solution for the assembly line balancing problem. But, the randomly placed tasks of the combined model in a task chromosome may not form workstations without violating immediate precedence constraints of the combined model. Hence, the genes of each task chromosome are to be ordered (rearranged) such that the serial assignment of the genes from the ordered vector to workstations does not violate the precedence constraints as shown in
Step 1: Input the chromosome.
・ Let the task chromosome I, which is already shown in the
・ Form the immediate predecessor(s) matrix of the tasks shown in
・ Number of tasks (genes of the task chromosome), N.
・ Initialize the gene position of the ordered vector, K = 1.
・ Set the task chromosome number.
Step 2: Set the gene position of the task chromosome, J = 1
Step 3: If the STATUS of the gene J of the task chromosome I is equal to 1, then go to Step 9; else, go to Step 4.
Step 4: If all the values in the row of
Step 5: Assign the task at the gene position J of the task chromosome I to the gene position K of the ordered vector.
OVK = CIJ
Step 6: Set the status of the gene position J of the task chromosome I to 1 in
Step 7: Change the value of CIJ in immediate predecessor matrix to zero, wherever it is equal to the task at the gene position J.
Step 8: Increment the gene position (K) of the ordered vector by 1 and go to Step 2.
Step 9: Increment the gene position (J) of the task chromosome 1 by 1.
Gene Position J | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
STATUS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Gene J of Chromosome 1 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 4 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 7 | 5 |
Task (p) | Immediate Predecessor(s) (q) | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
6 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
7 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
8 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
9 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
10 | 6 | 7 | 9 |
Step 10: If J ≤ N, then go to Step 3; otherwise go to Step 11.
Step 11: Stop.
The application of the above steps to the task chromosome 1 which is shown in
This section illustrates the method of finding the average balancing efficiency of the models of a task chromosome. This forms the first part of the multi-objective fitness function.
The cycle time of the model 1 as well as that of the model 2 is assumed as 20 minutes. Hence, the cycle time of the combined model is also 20 minutes, which is the average of the cycle times of both the models. The fitness function of the task chromosome 1, namely balancing efficiency is obtained by assigning the tasks serially from left to right from its ordered vector 1-2-4-3-6-5-8-9-7-10 into workstations for the given cycle time of 20 minutes of the combined model as shown in
While assigning a task into a workstation, that task pertaining to all the models should be assigned to the same workstation. If a task is available in only one model then that can be independently assigned to the current workstation.
Note: The number of workstations of model 1 and that of model 2 may not be same, because some workstations of the combined model may be assigned with the tasks of either model 1 or model 2 only.
The formulas for the balancing efficiencies of model 1, model 2 and average balancing efficiency of the models are as given below.
Gene Position J | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gene J of Chromosome 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 10 |
Workstation | Assigned Tasks | Unassigned Time | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Model 1 | Model 2 | Model 1 | Model 2 | |
I | 1 | 1 | 12 | 10 |
2 | - | 1 | 10 | |
Idle time | 1 | 10 | ||
II | 4 | 4 | 8 | 15 |
3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
Idle time | 3 | 3 | ||
III | 6 | - | 15 | 20 |
- | 5 | 15 | 12 | |
- | 8 | 15 | 5 | |
Idle time | 15 | 5 | ||
IV | - | 9 | 20 | 9 |
7 | 7 | 10 | 0 | |
Idle time | 10 | 0 | ||
V | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
Idle time | 8 | 6 | ||
Balancing efficiency | 63% | 76% | ||
Combined efficiency | 69.5% |
The second part of the multi-objective fitness function represents the excess percentage of makespan and it is subtracted from the first part, because the second part is a minimization type and the fitness function is of maximization type.
The steps of computing the excess percentage of makespan of sequencing the models through the workstations are presented below.
Step1: Input the following:
・ Number of workstations (NS);
・ Tasks of model i,
・ Task times of model i,
・ Model sequence, which is a model chromosome/ model offspring and the number of genes in it(R).
Step 2: Set model number, I = 1.
Step 3: Set workstation number, J = 1.
Step 4: Find the total time of tasks of model I assigned to workstation J [TTTIJ].
Step 5: Increment workstation number by 1 (J = J + 1).
Step 6: If J ≤ NS, then go to Step 4; otherwise go to Step 7.
Step 7: Set gene position of model chromosome to 1 [GP = 1]
Step 8: Set completion time of model that is present in gene position GP at workstation J to 0, for
Step 9: Let the model at the gene position GP be X.
Step 10: Set workstation number, J = 1.
Step 11: Compute the completion time of the model X at the workstation J by adding TTTXJ to CTJ.
Step 12: Increment the workstation number by 1 (J = J + 1).
Step 13: If J ≤ WS, then go to Step 10; otherwise go to Step 14.
Step 14: Set the gene position of model chromosome to 2 [GP = 2].
Step 15: Let the model at the gene position GP be X.
Step 16: Set workstation number, J = 1.
Step 17: If J ≠ 1, then go to Step 23.
Step 18: Compute the completion time of the model X at the workstation J by adding TTTXJ to CTJ.
Step 18: Go to Step 23.
Step 19: IF CTJ ≥ CTJ−1, then go to Step 22.
Step 20: CTJ = CTJ−1 + TTTXJ.
Step 21: Go to Step 23.
Step 22: CTJ = CTJ + TTTXJ.
Step 23: Increment J by 1 (J = J + 1).
Step 24: If J ≤ WS, then go to Step 19.
Step 25: Increment the gene position of the model chromosome by 1 [GP = GP + 1].
Step 26: If GP ≤ R, then go to Step 14; otherwise go to Step 27.
Step 27: Makespan of the model chromosome is given by the latest completion time of the last workstation.
Makespan = CTWS
Step 28: Repeat the above steps to obtain the makespan values of all the model chromosomes while evaluating the initial population or while evaluating the offspring of the subpopulation.
Step 29: Find the minimum makespan of the makespan values of the model chromosomes of the current population and find the excess percentage of makespan (EPMS) of each model chromosome using the following formula.
Step 30: Stop.
The steps of the genetic algorithm with the cyclic crossover method for task chromosome and the reflection crossover method for model chromosome to group the tasks of the mixed-model assembly line balancing problem into a minimum number of workstations which amounts to maximizing average balancing efficiency of the models with sequencing of models to minimize makespan are presented below. For each combination of task chromosome (offspring) and model chromosome (offspring), the balancing efficiencies of the individual models and the average balancing efficiency of the models are computed. Then the excess percentage of makespan (EPMS) is computed. Next, it is subtracted from the average balancing efficiency of the models to obtain the value of the maximization multi-objective function (F) as given in Equation (6). So, the objective of this algorithm is to group the tasks of the models in an integrated manner based on the combined network into different workstations such that the function F (multi-objective function) is maximized.
As explained in the previous subsection, for each of the task offspring that will be obtained using crossover operation, an ordered vector will be constructed, which gives a sequence of the tasks in the immediate precedence network such that their sequential assignment to workstations satisfies the immediate precedence relationships among the tasks in the network.
The steps ALGS1 are presented below.
Step 1: Input the following:
・ Number of models, M;
・ Production volume per shift of each model;
・ Ratio of production volumes of the models;
・ Precedence networks of the models;
・ Combined precedence network;
・ Task times of the models;
・ Common cycle time, C;
・ Size of the population of the task chromosomes as well as that of the model chromosomes, N (50);
・ Number of generations to be carried out, Q (20);
・ Mutation probability, α(0.3).
Step 2: Initialize the generation count (r) to 1.
Step 3: Generate the desired number (N) of task chromosomes (Population) by randomly placing the tasks of the combined model as the genes of each task chromosome.
Step 4: Find the ordered vector of each task chromosome in the population.
Step 5: Design the workstations of each task chromosome for the common cycle time using the task times of the individual models and the immediate predecessor(s) matrix of the combined model by serially assigning the tasks from the ordered vector and obtain the following:
・ The balancing efficiencies of the models (
・ The average balancing efficiency of the models
Step 6: Generate N model chromosomes by randomly placing the model numbers in each of them to represent N model sequences.
・ The number of genes of the models in each model chromosome is based on the proportion of the production volumes of the models.
・ If the number of genes in a model chromosome is 9 and if the ratio of production volumes of model 1 and model 2 is 4:5, then a sample model chromosome is given as 2-1-2-2-1-1-2-2-1.
Step 7: Compute the excess percentage of makespan (EPMS) using the following steps.
・ For each model chromosome in the population of model chromosomes, find the makespan of sequencing the models through the workstations of the corresponding task chromosome in the population of task chromosomes.
・ Find the excess percentage of makespan (EPMS) with reference to the least makespan of the current population of model chromosomes using the following formula.
Step 8: Find the multi-objective fitness function (F) value of each combination of task chromosome and model chromosome of the population using the following formula.
Step 9: Simultaneously sort the task chromosomes and model chromosomes in descending order of their multi-objective fitness function (F) values.
Step 10: Select a subpopulation (30% of population rounded to even number) from the top of the sorted list of the task chromosomes and a subpopulation of the same size from the top of the sorted population of the model chromosomes.
Step 11: Perform crossover operation using cyclic crossover operation as explained in the Section 4.1.1 for different pairs of task chromosomes in the subpopulation of task chromosomes and obtain their offspring.
Step 12: For each task offspring, perform mutation for a given mutation probability.
Step 13: For each of the task offspring after mutation, find its ordered vector.
Step 14: Design the workstations of each task offspring for the common cycle time using the task times of the individual models and the immediate predecessor(s) matrix of the combined model by serially assigning the tasks from the ordered vector and obtain the following:
・ The balancing efficiencies of the models (
・ The average balancing efficiency of the models.
・ Replace the corresponding task chromosome with this task offspring along with its average balancing efficiency/
Step 15: Perform reflection crossover operation as explained in the Section 4.2 for different pairs of model chromosomes in the subpopulation of the model chromosomes and obtain their model offspring.
Step 16: For each model offspring, perform mutation for a given mutation probability and do the following:
・ Obtain its makespan to schedule the models through the workstations designed as per the corresponding task offspring;
・ Replace the corresponding model chromosome in the current population with this model offspring along with its makespan.
Step 17: For each model chromosome in the current population, find the excess percentage of makespan (EPMS) with reference to the least makespan of the model chromosome of the current population using the following formula.
Step 18: Find the multi-objective fitness function (F) value of each combination of task chromosome and the corresponding model chromosome of the current population using the following formula.
Step19: Simultaneously sort the task chromosomes and model chromosomes of the population in descending order of their fitness function (F) values.
Step 20: Increment the generation count r by 1 (r = r + 1).
Step 21: If the generation count (r) is less than or equal to Q, then go to Step 10; otherwise, go to Step 22.
Step 22: Rework the details of the workstations and sequencing of the models with respect to the topmost task chromosome and model chromosome in the current sorted population and print the results along with the corresponding fitness function value.
Step 23: Stop.
The steps of the genetic algorithm with the forward crossover method for task chromosome and the reflection crossover method for model chromosome proposed in this paper for the mixed model assembly line balancing problems are same as that of ALGS1, except the Step 11. The required Step 11 of this algorithm is given below.
Step 11: Perform crossover operation using the forward crossover operation for different pairs of task chromosomes in the subpopulation of task chromosomes and obtain their offspring.
The steps of the genetic algorithm with the reverse crossover method for task chromosome and the reflection crossover method for model chromosome proposed in this paper are same as that of ALGS1, except the Step 11. The required Step 11 of this algorithm is presented below.
Step 11: Perform crossover operation using the reverse crossover operation for different pairs of task chromosomes in the subpopulation of task chromosomes and obtain their offspring.
The steps of the genetic algorithm with the cyclic crossover method for task chromosome and the reflection crossover method for model chromosome and modified workstation formation proposed in this paper are same as that of ALGS1, except the Step 5 and Step 14. The required Step 5 and Step 14 of this algorithm are shown below.
Step 5: Design the workstations of each task chromosome for the common cycle time using the task times of the individual models and the immediate predecessor(s) matrix of the combined model by serially assigning the tasks from the ordered vector and obtain the following:
・ The balancing efficiencies of the models (
・ The average balancing efficiency of the models
While moving from one workstation to another workstation, if there is idle time in the current workstation, then look for alternate succeeding task(s) which can best fit into the current workstation subject to precedence constraints that will result with either zero idle time or least idle time in that workstation.
Step 14: Design the workstations of each task offspring for the common cycle time using the task times of the individual models and the immediate predecessor(s) matrix of the combined model by serially assigning the tasks from the ordered vector and obtain the following:
・ The balancing efficiencies of the models (
・ The average balancing efficiency of the models;
・ Replace the corresponding task chromosome with this task offspring along with its average balancing efficiency.
While moving from one workstation to another workstation, if there is idle time in the current workstation, then look for alternate succeeding task(s) which can best fit into the current workstation subject to precedence constraints that will result with either zero idle time or least idle time in that workstation.
This section presents a comparison of the four genetic algorithms, viz. ALGS1, ALGS2, ALGS3 and ALGS4 using a complete factorial experiment with three factors, viz. Problem Size (A), Algorithm (B) and Cycle Time (C). The levels of the Problem Size (A) are from 40 tasks to 65 tasks in steps of 5 tasks. The levels of Algorithm (B) are ALGS1, ALGS2, ALGS3 and ALGS4. For each problem, the Cycle Time (C) is set at two levels, viz.75 min and 100 min. The number of replications under each experimental combination of the three factors is 2. So, the total number of observations of this experiment is 96. The ANOVA model of this complete factorial experiment [
where,
μ is the overall mean
Yijkl is the multi-objective function value of the lth replication under ith level of the factor A (Problem Size), jth level of the factor B (Algorithm) and kth level of the factor C (Cycle Time).
Ai is the effect of the ith level of the factor A (Problem Size) on the multi-objective function value.
Bj is the effect of the jth level of the factor B (Algorithm) on the multi-objective function value.
ABij is the effect of the ith level of the factor A (Problem Size) and the jth level of the factor B (Algorithm) on the multi-objective function value.
Ck is the effect of the kth level of the factor C (Cycle Time) on the multi-objective function value.
ACik is the effect of the ith level of the factor A (Problem Size) and the kth level of the factor C (Cycle Time) on the multi-objective function value.
BCjk is the effect of the jth level of the factor B (Algorithm) and the kth level of the factor C (Cycle Time) on the multi-objective function value.
ABCijk is the effect of the ith level of the factor A (Problem Size), jth level of the factor B (Algorithm) and the kth level of the factor C (Cycle Time) on the multi-objective function value.
eijkl is the random error associated with the multi-objective function value of the lth replication under the ith level of the factor A, jth level of the factor B and the kth level of the factor C.
The number of models considered in all the replications is 2. The ratio of production volumes of the model 1 and that of model 2 is assumed to be 2:3. This ratio is scaled up to 4:6 to fit into the size of the model chromosome of 10. The multi-objective function values (ηAve − EPMS) of the replications under all the experimental combinations as per the design of the complete factorial experiment are given in
・ There is significant difference between the treatments of “Problem Size (A)” in terms of the multi-objective function value.
・ There is significant difference between the treatments of “Algorithm (B)” in terms of the multi-objective function value.
・ There is significant difference between the treatment combinations of “Problem Size (A) and Algorithm (B)” in terms of the multi-objective function value.
・ There is significant difference between the treatments of “Cycle Time (C)” in terms of the multi-objective function value.
・ There is no significant difference between the treatment combinations of “Problem Size (A)” and “Cycle
Problem size (A) | Replication | Algorithm (B) | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ALGS1 | ALGS2 | ALGS3 | ALGS4 | ||||||
Cycle Time (C) | Cycle Time (C) | Cycle Time (C) | Cycle Time (C) | ||||||
75 | 100 | 75 | 100 | 75 | 100 | 75 | 100 | ||
40 | 1 | 71.40 | 74.63 | 73.57 | 77.25 | 73.57 | 73.17 | 79.23 | 79.30 |
2 | 74.20 | 76.70 | 74.20 | 76.70 | 74.20 | 76.70 | 77.00 | 79.08 | |
45 | 1 | 67.72 | 76.96 | 69.20 | 71.25 | 67.72 | 71.25 | 87.31 | 85.50 |
2 | 67.05 | 68.45 | 73.57 | 68.45 | 66.81 | 70.84 | 81.43 | 85.50 | |
50 | 1 | 68.78 | 73.08 | 73.08 | 73.08 | 74.22 | 77.91 | 83.52 | 86.19 |
2 | 68.55 | 72.55 | 68.55 | 72.83 | 68.55 | 72.55 | 77.32 | 78.92 | |
55 | 1 | 70.61 | 70.17 | 67.52 | 70.17 | 67.52 | 70.17 | 83.37 | 87.48 |
2 | 69.62 | 73.44 | 66.35 | 74.64 | 66.35 | 71.95 | 77.35 | 80.39 | |
60 | 1 | 72.46 | 72.30 | 67.21 | 71.81 | 64.75 | 72.30 | 81.10 | 82.82 |
2 | 69.50 | 69.50 | 63.01 | 76.72 | 68.29 | 71.60 | 82.34 | 83.46 | |
65 | 1 | 75.78 | 75.78 | 68.70 | 75.78 | 68.70 | 71.34 | 81.74 | 80.83 |
2 | 74.37 | 74.38 | 70.28 | 66.11 | 66.11 | 73.23 | 84.48 | 83.61 |
Source of Variation | Sum of Squares | Degrees of Freedom | Mean Sum of Squares | FCal | Fα = 0.05. | Remark |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A | 83.500 | 5 | 16.700 | 2.420 | 2.418 | Significant |
B | 2075.563 | 3 | 691.854 | 100.273 | 2.808 | Significant |
AB | 299.313 | 15 | 19.954 | 2.892 | 1.888 | Significant |
C | 177.688 | 1 | 177.688 | 25.753 | 4.048 | Significant |
AC | 21.250 | 5 | 4.25 | 0.616 | 2.418 | Insignificant |
BC | 20.875 | 3 | 6.958 | 1.009 | 2.808 | Insignificant |
ABC | 92.125 | 15 | 6.142 | 0.890 | 1.888 | Insignificant |
Error | 331.188 | 48 | 6.900 | |||
Total | 3101.500 | 95 |
Time (C)” in terms of the multi-objective function value.
・ There is no significant difference between the treatment combinations of “Algorithm (B)” and “Cycle Time (C)” in terms of the multi-objective function value.
・ There is no significant difference between the treatment combinations of “Problem Size (A)”, “Algorithm (B)” and “Cycle Time (C)” in terms of the multi-objective function value.
Since, there is significant difference between the algorithms (Factor B), viz. ALGS1, ALGS2, ALGS3 and ALGS4 in terms of the multi-objective function value, the next step is to identify the best algorithm using Duncan’s multiple range test.
Determination of Best Algorithm Using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test
The best algorithm is identified using Duncan’s multiple range test.
Step: 1: The ascending order of the mean multi-objective function values of the algorithms is as shown below. The mean multi-objective fitness function value of an algorithm means the mean of the multi-objective fitness function values under that algorithm irrespective of the levels of other factors.
Algorithm ALGS3 ALGS2 ALGS1 ALGS4
Mean multi-objective
value(%) 70.83 71.25 71.99 82.05
Step 2: The standard error of algorithm-mean of the multi-objective function value is computed as shown below.
where,
MSSerror is as shown in
Std. Error = [6.9/24]1/2 = 0.53619.
Step 3: The three (4 - 1) significant ranges from Duncan’s table for error degrees of freedom of 48 at α = 0.05 are shown below.
j 2 3 4
Significant range 2.848 2.998 3.092
Step 4: The three least significant ranges (LSR) are obtained by multiplying the respective significant ranges with the standard error and they are as shown below.
j 2 3 4
LSRj 1.527 1.608 1.658
Step 5: The actual ranges (AR) between different means of the algorithms along with corresponding LSR values are shown in
From
Since the algorithm ALGS4 is significantly different and superior to ALGS1, ALGS2 and ALGS3 in terms of the multi-objective function value (ηAVE − EPMS ), the algorithm ALGS4 is identified as the best algorithm to solve this mixed- model assembly line balancing problem with sequencing of models to maximize the average balancing efficiencies of the models and minimize the makespan of sequencing the models.
It is well known that the mixed model assembly line balancing problem attracts researchers and practitioners because of its use to cope up with growing global competition. Further, it comes under combinatorial category, which gives challenge in terms of designing efficient algorithm to obtain assembly line balancing solution. In this paper, the mixed model assembly line balancing problem with model sequencing maximizes the average balancing efficiency of the models and minimizes the makespan of sequencing the models through the workstations. Since, the two components of the objective function are in different units as well as with opposing direction of optimality, the second component, that is the makespan is converted into excess percentage of makespan (EPMS) and subtracted from the first component to maintain the multi-objective function as a maximization type.
In this research, an attempt has been made to develop a set of genetic algorithms to maximize the multi-objec- tive function (ηAVE − EPMS) for the mixed model assembly line balancing problem with sequencing of models
and select the best amongst them through a carefully designed complete factorial experiment.
The three genetic algorithms as presented below have been developed. Along with these three genetic algorithms, the authors consider the genetic algorithm with cyclic crossover method (ALG1) developed by Sivasankaran and Shahabudeen [
・ Genetic algorithm with forward crossover method for task chromosome and reflection crossover method for model chromosome, ALGS2.
・ Genetic Algorithm with reverse crossover method for task chromosome and reflection crossover for model chromosome, ALGS3.
・ Genetic algorithm with cyclic crossover method for task chromosome and reflection crossover method for model chromosome and modified workstation formation, ALGS4.
These four algorithms are compared using a complete factorial experiment with four factors, viz. Problem Size (A), Algorithm (B) and Cycle Time (C). The number of levels of the factor “Problem Size (A)” is 6, viz. 40 tasks, 45 tasks, 50 tasks, 55 tasks, 60 tasks and 65 tasks. The factor “Algorithm (B)” is with two levels, viz. ALGS1, ALGS2, ALGS3 and ALGS4. The cycle time (Factor C) is set at two levels, viz. 75 sec. and 100 sec. The number of replications under each experimental combination of the four-factor experiment is 2.
Based on the results of the four factor ANOVA experiment, it is observed that the Factor A (Problem Size), Factor B (Algorithm), AB (Problem Size x Algorithm) and Factor C (Cycle Time) are having significant effect on the multi-objective function value, which is a combination of the average balancing efficiency of the models and makespan of sequencing the models at a significance level of 0.05. Other components of the ANONA model do not have effect on the multi-objective function value of the mixed model assembly line balancing problem with model sequencing at a significance level of 0.05. From this observation, it is clear that there is significant difference between the genetic algorithms (Factor C) in terms of multi-objective function values.
Since, there is significant difference between the algorithms in terms of the mean of the multi-objective function value [ηAVE − (EPMS)], the best algorithm is determined using Duncan’s multiple range test, which gives ALGS4 (Genetic algorithm with cyclic crossover method for task chromosome and reflection crossover method for model chromosome, and modified workstation formation) as the best algorithm to the mixed model assembly line balancing problem in which the multi-objective function value is maximized.
In future research, probabilistic task times for the mixed model assembly line balancing may be assumed and accordingly the results may be analyzed.
We thank the anonymous referees for their constructive suggestions, which improved the paper.
Panneerselvam Sivasankaran,Peer Mohamed Shahabudeen, (2016) Heuristics for Mixed Model Assembly Line Balancing Problem with Sequencing. Intelligent Information Management,08,41-65. doi: 10.4236/iim.2016.83005