| Abstract: | Efficient scheduling systems are able to enhance production flow and production times in process industry. Scheduling, in this case, means simulation with alternatives of resources and/or activities. The result will be the exact time of output for each activity and the resulting profiles of capacity vectors concerning the recommended resources. In contrast to this, common planning systems add only the user defined production time of activities. Especially for flexible plants with batch production and a variable spectrum of products, as weil as for plants in the stage of design or enlargement, scheduling systems can be very helpful in identifying bottlenecks and over-capacities. Therefore, reduction of costs in a significant extent and additional benefits can be realized, provided that the individual conditions and objectives have been taken into account. |
