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Abstract
The aim of this research is to explore the feasibility of knowledge-based expert systems (KBES) for the planning and scheduling of ready-mixed concrete supply. Ready-mixed concrete is a product as well as a service. This implies that the supply of ready-mixed concrete should satisfy the customers’ needs in relation to both quality and supply. Due to the peculiar characteristics of the product which has a ‘shelf life’ of only a few hours and the dynamic nature of the operating environment, the planning and scheduling problems of ready-mixed concrete supply are usually unstructured and complicated. A prototype knowledge-based expert system for the planning and scheduling of ready-mixed concrete supply developed with a leading ready-mixed concrete company in the UK will be presented. This paper begins with a brief summary of the ready-mixed concrete production and delivery process and the importance of its planning and scheduling decisions. This is followed by a discussion of the role, tasks performed, development and testing of the system developed. The paper shows the potential of KBES in planning and scheduling ready-mixed concrete supply. A full-scale version needs to be developed based upon validation and refinement of the current system. The indicators are that this will prove to be a valuable aid in decision-making.