A dynamic part supply method for automated mixed-model assembly lines

Mixed-model assembly lines have been widely used to satisfy the ever-increasing variety of customer requirements. However, the successful application of this production model greatly relies on the level of inventory management, which determines the efficiency and operating cost. Considering the flexibility to unexpected events, this paper proposes a dynamic part supply method to deliver the required parts properly and timely to the corresponding workstations. In details, it is capable of dynamically generating supply orders, assigning supply orders to vehicles and determining the departure time of vehicles. During this procedure, the travelling time is minimized and the utilization ratio is improved under the capacity and time constraints. Finally, the effectiveness of this method is validated by simulating the production process of a test line.