Controlling Production Sequences Using Buffers

In the previous two chapters, both extreme assumptions on sequence control are dealt with for the balancing problem of mixed-model assembly lines. In Chapter 4, it is assumed that the sequencing of the models can be entirely controlled by the assembly line planner or operator. At the other end of the spectrum, no control over the sequencing is assumed in Chapter 5 so that the order of the produced pieces is completely random. In this chapter, an intermediate configuration is modeled, in which the planner has limited control over the sequence.