Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) for Garment Line Balancing

Authors

  • Ray Wai Man Kong Adjunct Professor, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9506-1135
  • Ding Ning Engineering Doctorate Student, System Engineering Department, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
  • Theodore Ho Tin Kong Graduated Student, Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China,

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14942910

Keywords:

Line Balancing, Production Plan, Garment, Automation, Garment Manufacturing, Lean Practice

Abstract

This applied research article explores the application of Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) to address line-balancing challenges in the garment industry, focusing on optimizing production processes under multiple constraints. By integrating MILP with Lean Methodology principles, the study demonstrates significant improvements in operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The case study, conducted in collaboration with Prof Dr Ray WM Kong, highlights the successful implementation of MILP using IBM CPLEX Studio to optimize production order quantities across online and offline operations. The results reveal a remarkable reduction in labour costs, exceeding 50%, while effectively managing resource capacity and demand constraints. This study not only validates the theoretical underpinnings of MILP in resolving line-balancing issues but also underscores its practical applicability in modernizing garment production. The findings contribute valuable insights into the potential of advanced optimization techniques to enhance competitiveness and sustainability in the garment industry. This abstract succinctly captures the essence of the research, emphasizing the methodology, results, and significance of the study.

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Author Biography

Ray Wai Man Kong, Adjunct Professor, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

Prof. Dr. Kong Wai Man Ray (Senior Member, IEEE) Hong Kong, China. He received an MSc in Automation Systems and Engineering and an Engineering Doctorate from the City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong in 1998 and 2008 respectively.

Chairman of the Intelligent Manufacturing Technology Committee in the Doctor Think Tank Academy (Chairman - Chairman of lMTC-DTTA)

Vice President of CityU Engineering Doctorate Society (VP EngDS)

Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (Sr MIEEE)

Senior Member - IEEE Computational Intelligence Society

Senior Member - IEEE Industrial Electronics Society

Senior Member - IEEE Robotics and Automation Society

Senior Member - IEEE Biometrics Council

Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (MIET)

References

[1] Ray Wai Man Kong, Theodore Ho Tin Kong, Tianxu Huang (2024) Lean Methodology for Garment Modernization, IJEDR – International Journal of Engineering Development and Research (www.IJEDR.org), ISSN:2321-9939, Vol.12, Issue 4, page 14-29, October-2024,

(https://rjwave.org/IJEDR/papers/IJEDR2404002.pdf)

[2]. Bongomin O, Mwasiagi JI, Nganyi EO, Nibikora I. (2020) A complex garment assembly line balancing using simulation-based optimization. Engineering Reports. 2020; 2:e12258

(https://doi.org/10.1002/eng2.12258)

[3]. Gary Yu-Hsin Chen, Ping-Shun Chen, Jr-Fong Dang, Sung-Lien Kang, Li-Jen Cheng (2021), Applying Meta-Heuristics Algorithm to Solve Assembly Line, International Journal of Computational Intelligence Systems, Vol. 14(1), 2021, pp. 1438–1450

(https://doi.org/10.2991/ijcis.d.210420.002)

[4]. R. Chen, C. Liang, D. Gu, J.Y.-T. Leung, A multi-objective model for multi-project scheduling and multi-skilled staff assignment for IT product development considering competency evolution, Int. J. Prod. Res. 55 (2017), 6207–6234.

[5]. Prabir Jana, Different Machine Layouts in Sewing Line, Apparel Resouce, web article in the Apparel Resource (2009),(https://apparelresources.com/business-news/manufacturing/basics-of-machine-layout-in-sewing-line)

[6]. Kong, R.W., Liu, M., & Kong, T.H. (2024), Design and Experimental Study of Vacuum Suction Grabbing Technology to Grasp Fabric Piece, Open Access Library Journal, v11, pg 1-17, (DOI: 10.4236/oalib.1112292), ArXiv, abs/2408.09504.

(https://www.oalib.com/research/6838637)

[7]. Ray Wai Man Kong, Theodore Ho Tin Kong, Miao Yi (2024) Design a New Pulling Gear for the Automated Pant Bottom Hem Sewing Machine, International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science, Vol. 06, No. 11, 11.2024, p. 3067-3077. DOI: 10.56726/IRJMETS64156

(https://www.doi.org/10.56726/IRJMETS64156)

[8]. Kong, R.W., Kong, T.H., & Huang, T. (2024). Lean Methodology for Garment Modernization. ArXiv, abs/2410.07705. (https://arxiv.org/abs/2410.07705 )

[9]. Prof. Dr. Ray Wai Man Kong, Ding Ning, & Theodore Ho Tin Kong. (2025). Line Balancing in the Modern Garment Industry. International Journal of Mechanical and Industrial Technology, 12(2), 60–72.

(https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14800724)

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Published

2025-03-07

How to Cite

Kong, R. W. M., Ning, D., & Tin Kong, T. H. (2025). Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) for Garment Line Balancing. International Journal of Scientific Research and Modern Technology, 4(2), 64–77. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14942910

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