DSS for Job Shop Machine Scheduling

Presents a microcomputer‐based interactive decision support system (DSS) to assist managers to improve decision making for machine scheduling in a job shop environment. The system downloads data from a factory information system, and schedules work into the appropriate work centres. The system produces sequences using a rule set that incorporates set‐up time reduction, shortest processing time (SPT) sequencing, downstream requirements, and job due dates. The system automatically expedites where required, and provides an interactive interface to the decision maker. A SLAM II‐based computer simulation model guides system development and provides a test bed for policy decisions with regard to implementation of the DSS.