A survey of exact algorithms for the simple assembly line balancing problem
Management Science
Assembly System Design: a Branch and Cut Approach
Management Science
Optimally balancing assembly lines with different workstations
Discrete Applied Mathematics - Special issue: Third ALIO-EURO meeting on applied combinatorial optimization
Synchronous Unpaced Flow Lines with Worker Differences and Overtime Cost
Management Science
A goal programming mixed-model line balancing for processing time and physical workload
Computers and Industrial Engineering
Hybrid Metaheuristic for the Assembly Line Worker Assignment and Balancing Problem
HM '09 Proceedings of the 6th International Workshop on Hybrid Metaheuristics
On solving the assembly line worker assignment and balancing problem via beam search
Computers and Operations Research
Scenario based robust line balancing: Computational complexity
Discrete Applied Mathematics
Simple heuristics for the assembly line worker assignment and balancing problem
Journal of Heuristics
Computers and Operations Research
A meta-heuristic algorithm for the fuzzy assembly line balancing type-E problem
Computers and Operations Research
A branch-and-bound algorithm for assembly line worker assignment and balancing problems
Computers and Operations Research
Computers and Operations Research
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In this paper a new problem called Assembly Line Worker Assignment and Balancing Problem (ALWABP) is introduced. This problem arises in those assembly lines where we have certain limited resources available (normally workers) in which the operation time for every task is different depending on who executes the task, and where there are also some task-worker incompatibilities defined. The problem consists of providing a simultaneous solution to a double assignment: (1) tasks to stations; and (2) available workers to stations. After defining the mathematical model for this problem, a basic Branch and Bound approach with three possible search strategies and different parameters is presented. We also propose the use of a Branch and Bound-based heuristic for large problems and analyse the behaviour of both exact and heuristic methods through experimental studies. Finally the implementation of these procedures in a Sheltered Work centre for Disabled-the real environment which has inspired this research-is described. In these centres the adoption of assembly lines provide many advantages, since the traditional division of work in single tasks may become a perfect tool for making certain worker disabilities invisible. Efficiently applying this configuration helps these centres to achieve their primary aim: growth in order to provide more jobs for more disabled people, but always considering the specific limitations that the disabled workers have. In this sense this paper shows one of the possible real applications where Operations Research can help not only to get economic and productive benefits but also certain social aims.