Development of a Web Application for Dynamic Production Scheduling in Small and Medium Enterprises

Abstract

This article describes the development of a web-based dynamic job-shop scheduling system for small and medium enter­prises. In large enterprises, scheduling is mainly performed with appropriate technology by human experts; many small and medium enterprises lack the resources to implement such a task. The main objective was to develop a cost-effective, efficient solution for job-shop scheduling in small and medium enterprises with an emphasis on accessibility, platform independence and ease of use. For these reasons, we decided to develop a web-based solution with the main emphasis on the development of an intelligent and dynamic user interface. The solution is built upon modular programming principles and enables dynamic scheduling on the basis of artificial intelligence, i.e. genetic algorithms. The solution has been developed as a standalone information system, which allows the management of virtually all scheduling activities through an administration panel. In addition, the solution covers the five main functionalities that completely support the scheduling process, i.e. making an inventory of resources available in the company, using it in the process of production planning, collecting data on production activities, distribution of up-to-date information and insight over events in the system.