Adaptive production planning environments using decision rules and simulation

One of the largest problems a production planner is facing is the lack of insight in the effects of decisions on production efficiency. First results of this study show, that in comparison with manual planning, insight is increased when using simulation techniques to evaluate an initial schedule. Simple binary planning rules are easy, fast, and powerful enough to store parts of the relevant knowledge of the planner. The planning rules are easily evaluated and understood by the planner and others. Feed-back for changes of the rules can be implemented rather straightforward. The simulation model can serve as a yardstick when changing or evaluating planning rules. We expect that the adaptive components of the system will solve part of the other problems of production planning like fast changes on the production floor and changes in the requirements of management. Further research will focus on gathering information on the effectiveness of both learning cycles in the PPE.