A two-level genetic algorithm for scheduling in assembly islands with fixed-position layouts

Abstract

This paper focuses on the scheduling problem in assembly islands environment with fixed-position layouts. In such configuration, the product normally remains in one location for its entire manufacturing period while machines, materials and workers are moved to an assembly site called an assembly island. This production layout has some unique features such as moving assembly workers, tools and materials; limited space at assembly site; considerable distance between islands. The authors first give the definition and mathematical model for the scheduling problem and then propose a two-level genetic algorithm to obtain a near optimal solution to minimize the makespan. Experimental results show that this algorithm is effective. The performance analysis of the proposed algorithm indicates that it is more efficient in the airline or shipbuilding industry than in the machine or tool final assembly companies. © 2010 Systems Engineering Society of China and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.