An integrated approach to assembly line design

Currently the approach to assembly system design often consists of a series of loosely linked tasks that use a range of analysis methods and tools. The task is typically broken down into a set of sub problems that focus on separate facets, such as assembly sequence selection, assemblability review and line layout, often without providing a wider global perspective. The approach presented in this paper provides a new approach for representing assembly sequences in such a way as to facilitate assembly sequence selection, design for assembly review and assembly line balancing in an holistic manner allowing engineers to assess the overall impact of alternative product designs.