An investigation into the use of OPT production scheduling

The paper is a case study describing the experience of a single company which uses OPT software for production scheduling. The company produces a range of over 500 different items. Optimized Production Technology (OPT) is a proprietary computer software. Although the OPT software requires a similar database to MRP systems and addresses the same problems, OPT is a finite scheduler, unlike MRP which assumes (unrealistically) infinite capacity. The paper defines the underlying terminology and explains the major features of the algorithm underpinning the software. Details of the scheduling frequency, scheduling routine and reports are described. Practical implications observed are the necessity of short process routes and a multi-skilled workforce (somewhat like the case of JIT cells). Benefits of using the system are discussed.