Automated re-work shop order scheduling system

Abstract

A computer implemented system analyzes shop dispatch rules using current status and a simulation system for the shop floor to establish the dispatch rules to be used to minimize tardiness. When re-work orders are introduced into the system, the shop floor orders have to compete for the same resources, and so the sequence for dispatch may have to be modified to meet the new demands on the shop floor resources. The system provides the capability such that minimum impact is felt on existing orders while maintaining management objectives. The system provides feedback to the user and the up-stream planning system if major changes need to be made on the shop floor schedules. The system develops revised dispatch rules to be followed and the associated sequence of operations to be followed after the introduction of re-work shop orders. The approach taken is repeated interactively and forms what may be characterized as a 'bottoms up' approach to analyze the floor schedule taking into consideration the re-work orders and feeds the information to the original planning process. The system automatically creates a list of alternative processes that any production order can follow and establishes optimum process flows in the event of introduction of re-work shop orders. The system automatically passes the information to the planning system which then re-calculates the revised order release sequence for the remaining orders in the release process.