Flexible final-assembly sequencing method for a JIT manufacturing environment

Uniquely, this new method-in a two-fold manner-improves both the supplier lines’ autonomy and the flexibility of the final assembly line. Consequently, suppliers can independently determine their output rates and thus change their workload pattern according to their needs and priorities. The final-assembly line gains flexibility which in return allows combination of these individual output rates in a way that a satisfactory assembly sequence is found. Moreover, this flexibility can help to avoid expensive final-assembly-line stoppages in case of sudden part supply disruptions. The sequencing method, which can easily be implemented into an existing just-in-time system, is mathematically formulated and the algorithm is depicted in a flow chart. A numerical example is given and computational results indicate the effectiveness of the method.