A Multi-Objective Mixed Model Two-Sided Assembly Line Sequencing Problem in a Make –to- Order Environment with Customer Order Prioritization

Mixed model two-sided assembly lines (MM2SAL) are applied to assemble large product models, which is produced in high-volume. So, the sequence planning of products to reduce cost and increase productivity in this kind of lines is imperative. The presented problem is tackled in two steps. In step 1, a framework is developed to select and prioritize customer orders under the finite capacity of the proposed production system. So, an Analytic Network Process (ANP) procedure is applied to sort customers’ order based on 11 assessment criteria. In step 2, a mathematical model is formulated to determine the best sequence of products to minimize the total utility work cost, total idle cost, tardiness/earliness cost, and total operator error cost. After validation of the presented model using GAMS software, according to the NP-hard nature of this problem, a genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) are used. The performance of these algorithms are evaluated using some different test problems. The results show that the GA algorithm is better than PSO algorithm. Finally, a sign test for the two metaheuristics and GAMS is designed to display the main statistical differences among them. The results of the sign test reveal GAMS is an appropriate software for solving small-sized problems. Also, GA is better than PSO algorithm for large sized problems in terms of objective function and run time.