Optimal operator assignment and cell loading in labor-intensive manufacturing cells

In this paper, a two-phase hierarchical methodology is proposed to find the optimal manpower assignment and cell loads simultaneously. Mixed integer and integer programming formulations are proposed (1) to generate alternative operator levels and (2) to achieve the optimal operator and product assignment to the cells. The methodology is illustrated with an example problem drawn from a real manufacturing company. The methodology remains valid for most labor-intensive manufacturing cells. The paper concludes with comments in regard to the implementation of the proposed methodology.