Applying Different Heuristic Assembly Line Balancing Methods in the Apparel Industry and their Comparison

The problem of assembly line balancing is extremely important for apparel companies. It indicates the necessity of a well-balanced assembly line since the process of the production of clothes is complicated and it consists of many processes. A well-balanced assembly line enables to produce a product in an optimum time, as a result of which it allows to use fewer machines as well as less material and labour during this production. In this article, studies performed on assembly line balancing were theoretically analysed, and then a time study of T-shirt production with respect to assembly line balancing was performed and data needed for assembly line balancing acquired. In parallel to these data obtained, firstly assembly line balancing was applied using 5 different heuristic methods, and then the assembly line was balanced using the classical method. The results of the solutions for the assembly line are compared. The aim of this study was to establish the assembly lines which have the highest line efficiency and to research the applicability of the methods examined in ready-to-wear assembly lines.