Dynamic Production Scheduling and Optimization

MxD is releasing a Request for Proposals for the development of a guidebook to support manufacturers seeking to select, successfully deploy, and gauge return on investment (ROI) for real-time scheduling solutions. Many manufacturing enterprises, regardless of size, use traditional scheduling tools and manual methods (e.g. spreadsheets) that cannot respond dynamically to disruptions or provide actionable insight into the real-time operation of production systems.

Scheduling has become a tribal knowledge-based endeavor leaving critical decisions about production planning, scheduling, and order sequencing inaccessible to the entire organization. Manufacturers seeking to use novel scheduling solutions often lack the domain knowledge and expertise needed to implement and understand the results leading to unsuccessful deployment. Simultaneously, several commercially available solutions rely on simple generalizations resulting in schedule changes that are not pragmatic. There is a need in the industry for solutions that analyze real-time sensor data to independently recommend changes and accurately model a manufacturer’s complex systems.

A vital component to the successful adoption of these solutions is the documentation of implementation, return on investment, and tips on avoiding common pitfalls. To address these industry needs, MxD is funding the implementation and validation of a real-time, dynamic scheduling and optimization solution that can provide manufacturers with actionable insights into plant scheduling. Through this investment, MxD seeks to advance manufacturing domain knowledge around real-time scheduling tools and build manufacturers’ confidence about what to expect when pursuing the implementation of tools that address and optimize scheduling.

Proposals must be submitted by teams, and MxD membership is not required for submission but will be required prior to project award. To facilitate project teaming, MxD will compile and disseminate contact information from parties interested in teaming during the first month of the proposal period.

If you are interested in submitting your contact info to this distribution list, please email projects@mxdusa.org.

For questions or more information, contact projects@mxdusa.org.

Note: All project work must be performed in the United States.