Integrated multi-manned disassembly line balancing problem with reverse supply chain

What is it about?

Due to strict governmental regulations, manufacturers have increasingly focused on recovering end-of-life (EoL) products through disassembly lines, aiming to achieve economic benefits while addressing the environmental aspects of supply chain sustainability. Disassembly line balancing (DLB) has become a key challenge for enterprises seeking to perform environmentally conscious manufacturing as part of a closed-loop supply chain policy. Therefore, designing a sustainable closed-loop supply chain requires analyzing interrelated problems by focusing on strategic-, tactical-, and operational-level decisions simultaneously. This study introduces an integrated problem that addresses multi-manned DLB, lot sizing, and reverse supply chain (RSC) design problems. To mathematically represent the problem, a generic optimization model is developed to minimize overall costs, including station opening, inventory holding, shortage, transportation, and collection center/facility opening costs. This study addresses several research questions to explore the impact of distribution strategies (centralized and decentralized) on multi-manned DLB and lot size decisions within the context of reverse supply chain design.

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