Medium to short term finite capacity scheduling: A planning methodology for capacity constrained workshops

The control of production processes and the supporting supply of resources and materials is a very broad problem that defies simple analysis and general solutions. As a result, the two lines of research followed over the past twenty years (Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and mathematical modelling techniques) have enjoyed only limited success. Recently, a small number of systems based on Finite Capacity Planning (FCP) principles have been developed with increased applicability to some difficult manufacturing environments. This paper outlines the problems that commonly occur when trying to apply MRP-based techniques into small-batch, jobbing and assembly environments. The processes within a FCP system (identified during a collaborative academic and industrial project between Total Technology Dept., UMIST, Manchester and Kewill Systems PLC, Crossford Court, Dane Road, Sale M33 1BZ) are then outlined and major design features are detailed. This paper suggests that FCP-based systems offer real advantages for planners with capacity constrained workshops.