A simulation model for production scheduling of a facility in a process industry

A simulation-based scheduling system for finite capacity scheduling of a facility in a process industry is described. The primary focus is on the modeling techniques and scheduling logic used in constructing the FACTOR simulation model embedded in this system. The construction of an MRP schedule to drive the simulation model is also discussed. Simulation-based, finite-capacity scheduling systems have been successfully implemented in the manufacture of discrete parts. This application illustrates the viability of such systems for scheduling in process industries. It demonstrates the adaptability of simulation modeling to the production constraints and continuous flows of materials found in process industries. It also provides an example of scheduling logic which is vital to producing an achievable schedule that coordinates the operation processing units with each other and with storage constraints