Project Overview
Within the Technology Insertion Demonstration and Evaluation (TIDE) program, we are developing a manufacturing scheduling tool called the Dynamic Manufacturing Scheduler (DMS), which will be fully integrated with a commercial Manufacturing Execution System (MES). As a replacement of the scheduling module for existing MES solutions, this scheduler will provide various advanced scheduling strategies and mechanisms to perform day-to-day scheduling as well as respond to unanticipated changes. A set of what-if analysis tools will be provided to help human decision makers, and DMS will provide manual override functions to allow users to help guide scheduling when necessary.

In addition, DMS will provide extra functionality appropriate for small manufacturing firms, which may not have a full Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system installed. Different groups of users are expected to use the system in varying ways. For example, DMS can provide due date querying and order promising capabilities to help sales people.

In comparison with the integration problem between planning and scheduling, the integration between scheduling and execution systems has not captured the attention of many researchers. However, as a critical link in an operational system, this integration cannot be neglected. To respond to real world information from execution systems and resolve conflicts within an existing schedule, new efficient and effective strategies and mechanisms have to be developed in current scheduling systems. Ultimately, fully integrated scheduling and execution systems should be built for very dynamic environments like manufacturing.

Currently being used in production at:

Researchers

• Stephen F. Smith (PI)
• Peter DeKlerk
• Charlie Collins

More Information

• DMS Screenshots (PowerPoint)

back to top