Sequencing, dispatching, and switching in a dynamic manufacturing environment

The problem of selection between sequencing and dispatching as a scheduling approach in a job-shop setting is investigated. Makespan performance using the two different approaches is compared through simulation experiments, under such dynamic manufacturing environments as machine breakdowns, specification changes and rush jobs. Based upon the experimental results, a new approach that switches sequencing to dispatching according to the manufacturing situation is proposed, to make the best use of both sequencing and dispatching approaches.