Assembly Lines

Assembly lines are a set of consecutive line stations in which Final Assembly Schedules (FAS) items are manufactured. Assembly lines consist of a series of line segments. Segments consist of a buffer and one or more line stations, until the next buffer. The items are manufactured by passing the items from line station to line station and by carrying out operations at each line station.

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On each line, items can be assembled. But, a line from which an item rolls off can be considered a roll-off line. The line contains different segments, which represent a grouping of different stations/operations on an assembly line. The advantage of grouping line stations and operations is that you can create optimal sequences per line segment by using the sequencing engine. For example, each segment can have specific features/options you can use to create an optimal sequence.

The line structure can also contain a supplying assembly line on which subassemblies are assembled or spare parts are manufactured. This assembly line supplies subassemblies and spare parts to the main assembly line. A supply line can also produce independent products for selling. The main assembly line and the supplying assembly line can be located in the same logistical company or different logistical companies. The financial company is equal to the logistical company.

The basic assembly control concepts are explained below.

  • Line segment: A set of consecutive assembly-line work centers on an assembly line between two buffers. The first buffer is the beginning of the segment, the next buffer is the first part of the next segment.

  • Station type: A station can be one of the following types:

    • Line station: A work center that is part of an assembly line. A line station is used in the production of FAS items. A line station can have multiple positions, which enable more than one item to be present in one line station.

    • Buffer: An assembly line workstation where no operations are carried out, and where orders are waiting to enter the following work station. You can use buffers to change the sequence of products from one line segment to another. Following are the types of buffers:

      • Buffer (FIFO).
      • Buffer (random access).

      Buffer is used to change the sequence of products from one line segment to another.

Note: 
  • You define the station type as line station or buffer in the Work Centers (tirou0101m000) session.
  • The buffer is used for sequencing purposes.
  • The line segment must always starts with a buffer.