One to three work centers that are process constraints should be selected. The second step is to exploit the constraint. The process constraints should be operated as much as possible including through lunch and break periods, and other times when the machines are not running. The quantity of changeovers should be minimized, and machines need to be kept full of raw materials to process. The scheduling software identifies orders that will be either on time or late.
Manual adjustment is made by either moving process batches or due dates.
At this point in time a finite schedule is established with known start and finish dates, including times and quantities. The third step is to subordinate to the constraint. Determine if the other processes can support the constraint, and how to maintain that support. Establish a steady and constant flow of product both to the constraint and after the constraint, including processing through final assembly. Fluctuations include product movements, breakdowns, and other factors that will inherently happen in the process.