A Supporting Method for Production Line Design at Conceptual Design Stage Based on Rapid Analysis

Many highly precise computer simulation tools have been developed for assembly line design, such as for simulation of assembly processes, but these tools require much input information and are generally utilized only in detailed design stages. This paper proposes a rapid analysis method for manual assembly line design, which can be utilized in the conceptual design stage. This method is constructed based on a layout tool where design engineers can construct assembly line models using 2- and 3-D views, and provide evaluation techniques for multiple important criteria such as volume flexibility, and visibility, based on the data structures. Spatial evaluation and quantitative efficiency analyses can be simultaneously performed, which enhances collaborative decision-making in the conceptual design stage.