Value function approximation via linear programming for FMS scheduling

In this paper, the authors develop a linear programming framework for computing a quadratic approximation to the value function, which constitutes the off-line computation of a hierarchical FMS scheduling approach previously developed by us. In contrast to previous work, where relatively crude value functions were used, they develop a quadratic approximation that is a prior fit. The authors consider the multiple part multiple machine discounted cost case and illustrate the approach via a simulation example in the context of an industrial setting.