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 an 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 an 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.