Optimizing apparel production systems using genetic algorithms

Optimizing apparel production systems using genetic algorithms 

MOK and S. Y. S. LEUNG, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China 

Key words genetic algorithms, optimization, line balance, apparel manufacture. 

In the apparel industry, the assembly process involves a set of workstations in which a specific task is processed in a pre-defined sequence. Before production, in order to achieve a balanced line, the sewing line supervisors assign one or mote sewing operatives to each task based on the standard time required to complete the task. However, industrial experience shows that it is difficult to achieve a perfectly balanced line because the production rate of each workstation is different. Imbalance occurs due to various factors, including fluctuation in operative efficiency, frequent change of product style, order size, prior experience and some unexpected factors, such as absenteeism, machine breakdown, and so oa Line balancing control is required to smooth away the bottlenecks. 

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