System and method for batch scheduling of lots based on flow time and number of batches

摘要

A system and method for utilizing computer-implementable decision support systems to determine factory schedules. Methodologies associated with the invention include advanced planning systems, optimization and heuristic based algorithms, constraint-based programming, and simulation. The method may iteratively assign lots to non-full batches based on comparison of the resulting impact to mean flow time with the continuously approximated cost per batch. Once lots have been assigned to batches, potential interchanges of lots among batches are explored. If the variable cost per batch changes from one interchange to the next, the method may backtrack and attempt to re-allocate lots to batches based on the increased cost per batch.