A model for determination of optimal production quantity for minimum idle time: a case study in a garment industry

Abstract

Assembly line balancing is a classic ill-structured problem where total enumeration is infeasible and optimal solutions uncertain for industrial problems. A quantitative approach to classifying problem difficulty and solution quality is therefore important. In this study, a mathematical model, which can determine optimal production quantity and line balancing plan for minimum total idle time is presented. Data were obtained from the sewing department of a garment establishment and lean production procedures intended for just in-time delivery were used to design modular groups on the production line.