An algorithm for the scheduling of setups and production to meet due dates

A closed-loop production control algorithm for a medical device manufacturing facility of an international healthcare conglomerate with due dates, significant setup times, and random disruptions is proposed. The algorithm is problem driven, exploits a hierarchical setup structure, and uses real-time control. The algorithm has been reduced to a set of simplistic rules with which floor management feels comfortable. The purpose of this research is to provide the theoretical underpinnings of those simple rules.<
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