Hierarchical Production Planning Framework: for the Batch Production Environment with Setup Time and Setup Cost Restrictions

In this research, the production planning and scheduling problems in unison with detailed sequencing activities are addressed for a single stage, multi-product batch chemical plant in a parallel machines environment. An integrated framework for production planning and scheduling of a single stage multi-product batch processing system has been developed. The production planning and scheduling models are capable of handling several products on a system with sequence-dependent setups. The hierarchical structure developed integrates three different planning levels: aggregate production planning, disaggregation production planning, and job sequencing. Two main contributions are made by this research. First, this research suggests a methodology for solving the batching process activities, as yet not fully solved by contemporary researchers. Secondly, an integrated approach to production and detailed sequencing decisions is proposed.