Patent ID: 7515983
Filing Date: 2009-04-07
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method of determining production starts in a manufacturing environment, said method comprising: inputting production starts, said production starts each having an initial recommended start date and quantity; grouping said production starts into production lots according to grouping rules, said grouping comprising lotsizing said production starts; assigning at least two potential start dates and associated priorities to each of said production lots, said at least two potential start dates comprising a critical start date and at least one non-critical start date, each of said at least two potential start dates having a start date-dependent priority; and capacitating said production lots so as to allow production of production lots to be started by non-critical start dates according to priority provided that available capacity exists and provided that subsequent production starts of production lots by critical start dates are not impacted, said capacitating comprising determining, based on said at least two potential start dates and associated priorities, when said production lots can be started without exceeding said available capacity.