Industrial Engineer how-to
How to Balance an Assembly Line
Balanced lines flow smoothly.
Quick answer
Balanced lines flow smoothly. In short: calculate; list; assign, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Calculate takt time.
List tasks and times.
Assign tasks to stations.
Keep each under takt.
Check precedence.
Test and adjust.
Safety reminders for industrial engineers
- Design ergonomic workstations
- Follow plant safety rules
- Include safety in layouts
- Reduce repetitive strain
Key terms
Cycle time · Takt time · Time study · Line balancing · Value stream map · Ergonomics: see the full industrial engineer glossary.