A production planning strategic framework for batch plants

Abstract Multipurpose batch plant planning is identified as a combinatorial optimization problem. The overall algorithm framework proposed in this study is based on a two-stage approach using an object-oriented discrete-event simulation model (AD-HOC+) in combination with a Genetic Algorithm, since this kind of technique is particularly attractive to treat problems of NP-hard nature. The problem formulation and the results corresponding to a finite-horizon production are presented. This strategy deals with a p production organized in only one campaign of a given time horizon H. The objective is to maximize product quantities during the campaign.