A rule-based planning system for parallel multiproduct manufacturing lines

Abstract

The systems discussed in this work concern a wide range of production systems in industry; notably in the pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic, food and brewing industries. A production system organized in parallel multiproduct manufacturing lines is presented and a classification given of the essential constraints which characterize this type of system. Also given is a classification of the different pieces of knowledge and data necessary for the planning and scheduling development. The knowledge acquisition phase is discussed and a classification of rules given. Each kind of rule is illustrated by an example. The scheduling algorithm is given, and illustrated by a demonstrative example in order to highlight the methodology used. In the last part, the prototype developed with an industrial partner is presented and the results discussed according to the given evaluation criteria.