Batch Scheduling Using Matrix Approach Under Supply Change

Batch processing is the predominant mode of production operations for the low volume
manufacturing of chemical, polymers and food products. Batch processing can be
classified as single product batch process or multiple product batch process. Single
product batch process in which single product is produce as compared to multiple
product batch process where more than one product is produced using the same batch
facility in successive campaigns. More recent works have considered the more
complicated cases of processes in which each of the products has its own production
sequence and make use of processing units in different combinations. In batch
processmg, the profitability in economics lies heavily on the scheduling of the
production sequence. Scheduling optimization normally aimed at minimizing the
makespan (i.e. completion time of the batch process.), leading to overall optimization of
the production cost. The complication in scheduling is amplified when the feed change
is taken into account. Disruption of feed typically requires a large amount of time to
generate an optimal schedule. The proposed approach to address these issues in order to
optimize batch production uses matrix to represent the batch recipes which is then
solved optimal makespan based on a selected sequence. The arrangement of the matrix
rows is according to the best sequence based on the availability or the disruption of
supply. The user is then provided with production sequence options based on process
requirement and supply.