Simultaneous Processing – Scheduling Concept for Flexible Manufacturing Systems

Common scheduling methods in conventional workshops are directed to lot-by-lot manufacturing. The optimal lotsize is determined by minimum amount of stock investment and setup costs. Due to their setup flexibility automated manufacturing cells and systems offer a chance to produce different parts simultaneously thus reducing setup scale and investment expenses for jigs and fixtures. Moreover such a scheduling procedure enables for immediate reaction on changing market requirements. The scheduling concept of simultaneous processing is analysed and demonstrated for industrial applications.