Production Scheduling Automation in an Aluminum Metal Products Plant

Abstract

The authors developed a computerized capacity planning model for an aluminum metal products plant. This model is meant to automate the major segment of the production scheduling process and thus aid the chief planner in determining the feasibility of a proposed production plan, to identify purity bottlenecks and develop plant strategies. Given appropriate input, the model determines an optimum assignment of metal available from all sources to each finished product.

A linear programming formulation has been used to form the nucleus of the model. An interactive module is incorporated into the model to allow the user to enter the input data easily and to enhance his communication with the model.

This computerized model is an effective automated tool in not only devising alternative production plans, but also in making subsequent modifications.