Scheduling Just-in-Time Part Supplyfor Mixed-Model Assembly Lines

With increasing cost competition and product variety, providing an efficient Just-in-Time (JIT) supply has become one of the greatest challenges in the use of mixedmodelassembly line production systems. In the present paper, therefore, we proposea new approach for scheduling JIT part supply from a central storage center. Usually,materials are stored in boxes that are allotted to the consumptive stations of the lineby forklift. For such a real-world problem, a new model, a complexity proof as wellas different exact and heuristic solution procedures are provided. Furthermore, atthe interface between logistics and assembly operations, strategic management implicationsare obtained. Specifically, basing on the new approach, it is the first time astatistical analysis is being made as to whether widespread Level Scheduling policies,which are well-known from the Toyota Production System, indeed facilitate materialsupply. Note that in literature it is frequently claimed that this causality exists....