A numerical method in optimal production and setup scheduling of stochastic manufacturing systems

In this paper, we consider optimal production and setup scheduling in a failure-prone manufacturing system consisting of a single machine. The system can produce several types-of products, but at any given time it can only produce one type of product. A setup is required if production is to be switched from one type of product to another. The decision variables are a sequence of setups and a production plan. The objective of the problem is to minimize the cost of setup, production, and surplus. An approximate optimality condition is given together with a computational algorithm for solving the optimal control problem.