Predictive and reactive scheduling tool kit for repetitive manufacturing

This paper describes a Predictive and Reactive Scheduling Tool Kit. The concept of a tool kit approach is to integrate some basic and useful tools in production planning and control operations. The proposed tool kit, at its initial stage of development, is composed of three basic tools. The way that these basic tools are integrated is demonstrated by a case study in a local repetitive manufacturer. In the case organization, the resulted tool kit is used to support a software process which is intended to provide predictive and reactive scheduling support to assist material planners in production planning and control. The advantages and shortcomings of the tool kit approach in providing decision support is empirically examined. Based on the empirical study, further enhancement in predictive and reactive scheduling is suggested.