New mathematical models for parallel assembly line balancing and labor assignment problem

An assembly line is defined as a sequential workstation in which parts forming high volume of standard products are assembled in a predetermined sequence and interconnected by the material conveying system. Examples of production systems with two or more identical or similar assembly lines positioned parallel to one another are quite common in the industry. The problems in which parallel lines are balanced simultaneously are called as Parallel Assembly Line Balancing Problem. The purpose of the Parallel Assembly Line Balancing Problem is to minimize the number of stations (or the total number of operators used in the lines). When the assembly line balancing studies in the literature are examined, it is seen that the capabilities of the operators assumed to be the same and that each operator can do every job. In real life, ttask duration varies depending on the capabilities of the operator performing the task, also some operators do not have the knowledge and skills to perform some operations. Within the scope of this thesis, a new mathematical models has been developed by taking into consideration that the task duration vary depending on the capabilities of the operator performing the task. Benchmarking problems, which are well known in the literature, have been compared with the performances of mathematical models.