Methods for Assembly line balancing and worker allocation problem: an Overview

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive tertiary-level review of solution methods for Assembly Line Balancing Problems (ALBP) and Worker Allocation Problems (WAP), synthesizing insights from 25 literature reviews published between 2006 and 2024. Unlike prior reviews, this study critically evaluates methodological trends, practical relevance, and the alignment between academic proposals and industrial implementation. Metaheuristic approaches, especially Genetic Algorithms, dominate literature, yet their adoption in real-world settings remains limited. The review also highlights the emergence of hybrid and AI-enhanced strategies, the growing attention to explainability and adaptability, and the methodological shortcomings of existing reviews regarding transparency and contextual analysis. This work contributes a structured taxonomy of methods, assesses their suitability across problem dimensions, and identifies future directions emphasizing industry integration, real-time responsiveness, and robust evaluation frameworks.