Finite Capacity Planning in Manufacturing Systems - An Intelligent System for the Identification of Needs and Effective Implementation

Abstract This paper describes an intelligent system which can be used firstly for assessing the real need, if any, to carry out finite capacity planning in a given manufacturing environment. The need for finite capacity planning is assessed in terms of an essential requirement, its desirability, or its possible use with caution. The need assessment is followed by a statement of the difficulties likely to be associated with the effective implementation of the finite capacity planning system. Assuming that there is a need for finite capacity planning, the approach makes it possible to identify the steps which should be taken to achieve an effective implementation.