A Framework for Investigating Schedule Robustness Under Uncertainty

The batch processing manufacturing environment is subject to a high degree of uncertainty. One of the key issues in producing practical process schedules in such an unfavourable environment is the assessment of their robustness under uncertainty. This paper shows how Monte-Carlo based simulation models, implemented within the framework of the BATCHES simulator, can be used for this purpose, starting with the automated implementation of a given schedule into the simulation models, then running the various replicates of the simulation acid finally analysing their results. In addition, the possibility of feeding back the simulation results to the scheduling model is also discussed, paving the way towards the development of a more effective reactive scheduling system.