This paper calls for a change in paradigm in lot sizing and scheduling. Traditionally, a discrete time scale is chosen to model lot sizing and scheduling. As an alternative, the so-called block planning concept is proposed which is based on a continuous representation of time. A mixed-integer...

The paper is concerned with the problem of optimal production planning in deterministic pull flow lines with multiple products. The objective is to specify the production policy that minimizes the total inventory and backlog costs overtime. Assuming constant product demands and non-decreasing...

In a recent paper, Fisher et al. (2001) present a method tomitigate end-effects in lot sizing by including a valuation term for end-of-horizon inventory in the objective function of the short-horizon model. Computational tests show that the proposed method outperforms the Wagner-Whitin algorithm...

This paper considers an infinite horizon stochastic production planning problem with demand assumed to be a continuous-time Markov process. Problems with control (production) and state (inventory) constraints are treated. It is shown that a unique optimal feedback solution exists. This solution...

This paper summarizes the results of its detailed version, which considers optimal infinite horizon stochastic production planning problems with capacity and demand to be finite state Markov chains. Turnpike set concepts are introduced to characterize the optimal inventory levels. It is shown...

This paper presents an asymptotic analysis of hierarchical investment and production decisions in a manufacturing system with machines subject to breakdown and repair. The demand facing the system is assumed to be a given constant. The production capacity can be increased by purchasing a new...

We consider a production planning problem in an N-machine flowshop subject to breakdown and repair of machines and to non-negativity constraints on work-in process. The machine capacities and demand processes are assumed to be finite-state Markov chains. The problem is to choose the rates of...

This paper is concerned with the problem of production planning in a flexible manufacturing system consisting of a single or parallel failure-prone machines producing a number of different products. The objective is to choose the rates of production of the various products over time in order to...

This paper considers an infinite horizon stochastic production planning problem with the constraint that production rate must be nonnegative. It is shown that an optimal feedback solution exists for the problem. Moreover, this solution is characterized and is then compared with the solution of...