A heuristic for solving mixed-model line balancing problems with stochastic task durations and parallel stations

This paper describes an approach for solving a mixed-model assembly line-balancing problem with stochastic task times when paralleling of tasks within work centers is permitted. The research modifies previous work and incorporates new and existing task selection rules for assigning tasks to work centers. The heuristic is applied to six different line-balancing problems for each presented rule. The resulting layouts are simulated and performance results are analyzed. Through simulation, the research demonstrates how the presented heuristic can be used to solve complex line-balancing problems using different strategies, and these strategies can be evaluated across many performance dimensions.