Patent ID: 6865433
Filing Date: 2005-03-08
Classification: G06Q,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for optimizing scheduling activities in a manufacturing environment, comprising: receiving a planned factory cycle time value for lots associated with a queue, said planned factory cycle time value including an anticipated pace for lot workflow; receiving schedule information for said lots; upon receiving a dispatch request for said lots; calculating a critical ratio for each of said lots; comparing said critical ratio with said planned factory cycle time value; and assigning an ‘at risk’ value to a lot when said planned factory cycle time value is greater than the critical ratio for said lot; for lots assigned said ‘at risk’ value: assigning a higher priority than a priority that is assigned to lots determined not to be at risk; and sorting said at risk lots by both a priority that was set during a planning period and the critical ratio; sorting said lots determined not to be at risk by the critical ratio; and returning a resulting dispatch list with priority assignments made as a result of said sorting to a manufacturing execution system.