A knowledge-based system for scheduling setup changes: An implementation and validation

摘要

The design, implementation, and validation of a knowledge-based system that schedules resources on the shop-floor is described. The system specifically schedules machine setup changes and is based on heuristics obtained from an expert scheduler. It is a reactive scheduling system and operates in real-time to provide support to the scheduler. The approach for the implementation is procedural, as opposed to declarative. A detailed example of scheduling for setup changes is provided that elucidates the logic of the program. The system is currently implemented at a manufacturing facility and is being used daily by a scheduler. Two methods of validation of the system are discussed, wherein the first method is to compare the schedules produced by the system with a historical record of setup changes executed on the shop floor, and in the second method the schedules are judged by the scheduler. The results of the validation show the system to be successful.