AN APPLICATION OF NETWORK SCHEDULING OPTIMIZATION IN A PHARMACEUTICAL FIRM

This paper describes an application of production scheduling optimization methods in a major pharmaceutical firm located in Mexico City, Mexico. A PC-based decision support system was developed based on the idea of network schedule representation and specific scheduling optimization algorithms were incorporated into the system. The system contains a graphical input interface, in which the user draws the network describing the scheduling problem in a manner that resembles project planning software. Our implementation of solution algorithms for minimizing total manufacturing time, average flow-time, and lateness is discussed. An example illustrates the methodology of solution for different types of situations typical of pharmaceutical companies.