Industrial Application of a Continuous-Time Scheduling Framework for Process Analysis and Improvement

We investigate the potential benefits of applying short-term continuous-time scheduling optimization to an industrial multiproduct food processing plant. The facility exhibits several unique production policies that are not supported by current continuous-time scheduling models. Several extensions to a general global event continuous-time scheduling model are proposed to address these limitations. In addition, problem knowledge is exploited to develop an aggregate reformulation of the model for application to the target problem. The potential benefits of scheduling optimization are assessed through several case studies. Historical plant performance is benchmarked, and the possible gains in production efficiency are highlighted. In addition, the scheduling models are used to evaluate potential benefits of operating policy and plant configuration changes.