Abstract
This paper describes the architecture of the Dynamic Scheduling Package (DSP), a configurable scheduling system currently in beta testing, performing schedule generation, schedule execution monitoring, schedule revision, and decision support for manufacturing and operation management. DSP makes extensive use of Object Design Methodology to define the structure, dynamics, and constraints of the manufacturing process to be scheduled. The scheduling engine solves the scheduling problem using an incremental, constrained-heuristic search process that can be guided by user-defined search control guidelines to generate and revise schedules within deadlines. DSP has been installed in several beta sites including discrete and batch manufacturing environments. The beta testing phase required several enhancements to the initial design of the system and has provided insights for further enhancements currently being designed. However, the architecture of the system proved to be very effective in addressing dynamic scheduling problems in a variety of manufacturing domains.
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