Strategic selection of assembly systems under viable demands
Abstract
Purpose
Aims to strategically compare assembly lines to cell production including flexible cell system (FCS) under viable demands using the pair matrix table by the lot size and the number of stations and select the efficient assembly systems on demand fluctuations.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper sets an assembly problem of the respective models for assembly line systems, autonomous cell system and FCS, and presents a comparative approach by the pair matrix table for the strategic selection. The simulators were constructed for the respective models, and the pair matrix tables with the profit and lead time were drawn and shown.
Findings
Finds that the pair matrix table by the lot size and the number of stations are applicable in the strategic selection for comparative assembly systems, and FCS, consisting of multiple self‐completion stations connected by conveyors, is stable when there are viable changes in the demand quantity and the number of stations.
Research limitations/implications
Provides an economic comparative approach for a strategic selection in assembly models with different system configurations by simulation.
Practical implications
The approach proposed in this paper will provide a strategic selection quantitatively with system managers to achieve higher profit and shorter lead times under viable demands.
Originality/value
Introduces the pair matrix table by the lot size and the number of stations, and compares strategically and quantitatively the respective assembly models based on an optimal design by the two‐stage design method in view of profits and lead times under viable demands.
Keywords
Citation
Yamada, T., Satomi, K. and Matsui, M. (2006), "Strategic selection of assembly systems under viable demands", Assembly Automation, Vol. 26 No. 4, pp. 335-342. https://doi.org/10.1108/01445150610705254
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited