Production Scheduling and Order Release Optimization

1. Production Scheduling

Production scheduling involves allocating production orders to specific work centers at predetermined times.

Objectives of the Scheduler: Programming Production Processes

The Master Production Schedule (MPS) details the orders needed to transform inputs at various centers. The assigned concrete orders are summarized across all centers. It compares available needs versus capacity load to make sequencing decisions and launch production orders.

1.2 Determining the CGRFA / Capacity Relationship

This involves analyzing:

• (a) Lead Times and Adjustments: We observe potential requirements that might span several periods to meet economic lot sizes. We also consider scenarios where a need corresponds to a single period, but other orders might be delayed, or conversely, where no order delays are anticipated.
• (b) Allocation: Determining which machine should be assigned a particular order for efficient operation.

1.3 Launching Orders

Once the sequence of commands for each center is known, we issue the release, known as launching. This process is crucial for execution.

(a) Order Management

In case of unforeseen events, such as breakdowns, staff shortages, or delays, the release manager must adjust the order content, modifying quantities or dates as necessary.

(b) Types of Releases

• Lot: Involves documentation (production order, component list, roadmap, tool descriptions, component warehouse withdrawal order, production plan). Costing is typically done per lot, and it usually does not involve continuous flow.
• Flow: Records include the chain's production rate, the material and component store output rate, and product production plans.

(c) Purchase Orders

To facilitate supplier work, advance purchases are often planned annually, reflecting this evolution by focusing on the next 3 to 6 months. Launching an order means taking responsibility for these products. It is vital that before launching, awareness of the needs is established. The order should be launched in advance, acknowledging that subsequent events may occur, thus requiring a good relationship with suppliers. The order must specify:

• The required standard product to be met.
• The delivery date for stock arrival.