Inspired by technological advances in factory digitalization, the automotive industry has started to investigate flexible layout alternatives to the widespread mixed-model assembly line. In such flexible layouts, the stations are neither arranged serially nor linked by a paced transportation system. Instead, automated guided vehicles are used to transport the vehicles. The sequence of tasks is not predetermined, but can differ for each vehicle (operation flexibility). Also, the same task can be performed at multiple stations (routing flexibility). Due to these flexibilities, the work in progress can be reduced. Assembly scheduling, in contrast, becomes more complex because process planning and routing are optimized simultaneously. In this research, we develop a framework to quantify the benefits of operation and routing flexibility in automotive flexible assembly layouts. We compare the simultaneous approach to a hierarchical approach in which process planning and/or routing are decided a priori. In addition, we compare flexible layouts to mixed-model assembly lines.     «

Inspired by technological advances in factory digitalization, the automotive industry has started to investigate flexible layout alternatives to the widespread mixed-model assembly line. In such flexible layouts, the stations are neither arranged serially nor linked by a paced transportation system. Instead, automated guided vehicles are used to transport the vehicles. The sequence of tasks is not predetermined, but can differ for each vehicle (operation flexibility). Also, the same task can be...     »