The ACLIPS® Planning Procedure consists of four phases:

• Lead Time Estimation & Lot Sizing: Using an open queueing network model, the shop floor is analyzed to include variability and disruptions. Aggregate expected lead times are calculated based on product streams and optimized through lot sizing to minimize lead times.
• Tuning Phase: Management refines lead times by adjusting capacity structures, off-loading resources, or exploring alternative routings. The queueing model enables quick evaluations, including impacts of cellular manufacturing and product mix analysis.
• Scheduling Phase: This involves grouping orders into manufacturing batches, determining release dates based on dynamic lead time estimates, and sequencing operations. Solution like Finite Scheduling or Load-Based POLCA can handle these complexities in manufacturing, assembly operations, resources, and setup times. Detailed schedules are transferred to the shop floor and adjusted in real-time based on feedback.
• Real-time Execution and Rescheduling. Detailed schedules developed in earlier phases are communicated to the shop floor for implementation. Through electronic data capture, information about actual execution is continuously fed back into the system. This feedback enables dynamic rescheduling, allowing adjustments based on real-time conditions and the responsiveness required by the situation. The frequency of rescheduling depends on system dynamics, ensuring that plans remain adaptive and efficient. This phase bridges planning with execution, ensuring alignment with operational realities.

ACLIPS Planning Procedure

Finite Scheduling Solution

Queuing Network

Manufacturing Lead Time

Load-Based POLCA