Performance evaluation of serial flow systems: Analyzing the impact of workforce flexibility and task time variation using simulation
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2008
Abstract
We analyze the impact of different flexible workforce arrangements on serial flow systems such as unpaced assembly lines. Our evaluative studies suggest that an interaction effect exists between workforce flexibility and task time variances. Our results show that chaining strategy yields better output in the system with higher task time variances. At low task time variances, rigid task assignment to workforce is more desirable. In cases where numbers of operators serving workstation simultaneously are restricted, results indicate that having more flexibility will help improve performance. Our results appear to be robust and insensitive to the uniform and normal task time distributions.
Recommended Citation
Dhumal, Parag and Agrawal, Vikas, "Performance evaluation of serial flow systems: Analyzing the impact of workforce flexibility and task time variation using simulation" (2008). College of Business and Economics. 313.
https://digitalcommons.uncfsu.edu/college_business_economics/313