Scheduling of single-stage and continuous processes on parallel lines with intermediate due dates

Abstract

This paper addresses scheduling problems in single-stage and continuous multiproduct processes on parallel lines with intermediate due dates and especially restrictions on minimum run lengths. Whereas previous approaches require predetermined time slots or a maximum number of time slots to which only one task should be assigned, the proposed formulation does not use time slots within a time period. Therefore, the size of a model and its computation time are significantly reduced, with restrictions on several realistic situations, such as minimum run lengths, idle times of processes, and tests/maintenance, that are addressed in previous literature. Our approach is illustrated with various examples presented in the literature.