Optimization of aggregate planning of variant production processes

In the conventional approach to aggregate planning, alternative production routes (i.e. variants) using different machines are hardly ever considered. However, new machines like Multi-Vacility-Centres, expecially in combination with single-purpose machines, allow numerous production variants. It is very important to take these variants into consideration, both for cost and for capacity reasons. It is the objective of the proposed optimization model to minimize the various costs incurred by producing a product according to a variant. The new concept of scheduling variant manufacturing processes using the methods of optimization will increase the flexibility and the validity of the scheduling operation and help to make better use of the available resources.