Aspects of assembly line balancing

Abstract

A particular form of assembly line is examined by computer assisted simulation for conditions of perfect and imperfect balance between manual work stations. Some account has been taken of a possible response by operators to the pacing inherent in this form of working. Conclusions are drawn in regard to the effects of initial feed rate, variable operator work cycle times and tolerance time (i.e. the time that a part is available for servicing before passing unprocessed) on output, unprocessed work and operator utilization.