Deploying scheduling solutions in an industrial environment. (4th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harjunkoski, Iiro
• Is Part Of: Computers & chemical engineering. Volume 91(2016)
• Page Start: 127
• Page End: 135
• Publication Date: 2016-08-04
• Subjects: Scheduling -- Deployment -- Communication -- Integration -- ISA-95; Chemical engineering -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 660.0285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compchemeng.2016.03.029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0098-1354

Abstract

Highlights: Scheduling problem described from the industrial point of view. Identify current gaps and challenges. Overview of ongoing technical trends affecting scheduling. Industrial standard ISA-95 and the main principles how to use it. Deployment steps exlplained with lessons learned Abstract: For many industrial sites, a production scheduling solution – be it manual or optimized – is in many ways still a complex and "exotic" application that seldomly finds its way into the daily practice of the plant floor. As it lies within the interface between business and control systems, scheduling is too often seen as something decoupled and theoretical that requires high-level experts for configuring, using and maintaining it. In this paper, we discuss some of the challenges and hurdles for deploying scheduling solutions. A relevant ongoing technological transition towards stronger integration is also addressed. Some potential for improvements are identified both in academia and industry. By addressing the main pain points it can be seen that with a common mind-set the complexity of deploying a scheduling solution can be lowered significantly.