Knowledge based dynamic scheduling in a steel plant

A description is given of dynamic scheduling of the production of parts on one or more manufacturing machines. The parts to be manufactured are assumed to have different characteristics and/or specifications such that either the machines have to be constantly adjusted or the machines pose constraints on the manner in which the parts may be scheduled. The production schedule is prepared using the IBM Knowledge Tool Program with a cooperative technique so that while the program is running it allows the operator to intervene and override program decisions. The technique is illustrated with a scheduling problem encountered in continuous casting operation of a steel mill