Penalty-based sequencing strategy implemented within a knowledge-based system

A hot dip coating line (HDCL) is used to coat steel coils with a corrosion-resistant coating. The sequencing of the coils going into a HDCL is important to ensure that the required coating quality of each coil is achieved and that production through the facility is maximised. In this paper, the logic used in a knowledge-based sequencing system for a HDCL will be outlined. Also, how the original knowledge-based system logic was modified to include a penalty-based heuristic sequencing strategy that resulted in much-improved HDCL coil sequences will be discussed. The enhanced version of this system has been in routine use since January 1994.