Maximising throughput by evaluating critical utilization paths

Recently the relationship between batch structure, bottleneck machine and maximum throughput has been explored for serial, convergent and divergent process configurations consisting of two machines and three processes. In three of the seven possible configurations a multiple batch structure maximizes time-constrained throughput. The principle of scheduling a bottleneck first appears to be insufficient to obtain optimal schedules, since it typically leads to a single batch schedule on the bottleneck. Critical utilization paths provide a convenient vehicle to evaluate multiple batch structures by means of integer programming. Also the quality of existing heuristic procedures can be evaluated in this way.