Production Scheduling for the Process Industries: Strategies, Systems, and Culture

This book is for manufacturing and planning managers who want to bring stability and more effective use of assets to their operations, emphasizing the importance of senior leadership commitment and guidance in implementing a successful scheduling strategy. It discusses the advantages of a structured, regularly repeating schedule, including increased throughput, right-sized inventory, and improved customer delivery. It also discusses the trade-offs between throughput, inventory, and delivery performance and the benefits of using appropriate scheduling software systems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book is specifically designed for manufacturing and planning managers who aim to enhance stability and optimize asset utilization in their operations, yet may underestimate the significant impact of production scheduling on these objectives. It has been observed that a staggering 75% of issues on the manufacturing floor can be traced back to activities occurring outside the plant floor. Consequently, poor production scheduling strategies and systems often play a pivotal role in this predicament.

The book delves into the intricacies of effective scheduling, emphasizing that no scheduling strategy, particularly a transition to a superior approach, can succeed without the unwavering commitment and guidance of senior leadership. Leadership must recognize their active role in the transition, acknowledging that change can evoke discomfort and even threaten individuals. They must also be prepared to be measured by different standards.

Effective scheduling revolves around the prioritization of adhering to the schedule and achieving production targets over the sole focus on maximizing daily throughput. The book elucidates the advantages of a structured, regularly repeating schedule, including its ability to boost throughput, optimize inventory sizing based on cycles and variabilities, and enhance customer delivery. It further explores the trade-offs between throughput, inventory, and delivery performance, shedding light on how these decisions are made in production scheduling and how an appropriate scheduling strategy can transparently address these trade-offs.

The authors also discuss various popular structured scheduling concepts, highlighting their similarities and differences to assist readers in determining which approach best suits their specific environments. Additionally, they delve into the criteria for selecting appropriate scheduling software systems, emphasizing the importance of a package designed specifically for manufacturing and planning requirements.

By offering a comprehensive and insightful exploration of production scheduling, this book empowers manufacturing and planning managers to unlock the full potential of their operations, achieve greater stability, and optimize asset utilization.

Weight: 770g
Dimension: 210 x 279 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032302362