New alternatives for computer-scheduling of multi-product plants running batchwise under constraints

Abstract

The paper discusses a new approach used for operations scheduling of multi-product plants. The algorithm allows schedules to be built and improved even when complex sets of constraints are to be dealt with. The ‘post-scheduling’ technique that was developed uses global functions or ‘modules’ called in an interactive fashion according to the decisions made by an operator and based on the results obtained at a previous step. The paper also studies the human decisional impact in combinatorial problem-solving and presents a generalization of constraint handling in scheduling systems. Global results deriving from an industrial scheduling problem that was solved using this method are also presented