Riverina Auto Parks assembles components that are needed for a new model produced by an international car manufacturer. Their output is dependent on the demand of the car manufacturing plant and at this point of time, 200 units per week are required. Riverina has just purchased the equipment for assembling the component. Details of the processes involved are provided in the table below.
As the production manager of Riverina, you are requested to draw up a suitable layout, using an approach that combines both algorithmic and heuristic techniques. State clearly how many workstations can be formed. Determine also the processes (or tasks) in each work station and the efficiency of the line. Assume an 8-hour working day, and a 5-day working week.
(Use the Assembly-Line balancing approach illustrated in the main text and DE material. Use POM for Windows only if you want to confirm some of your calculations.)