RFID-based integrated decision making framework for resource planning and process scheduling for a pharmaceutical intermediates manufacturing plant

This study proposed a new optimization-based decision model for an enterprise resource planning and production scheduling of a pharmaceutical intermediates manufacturing plant. To do this work, we first define the inflow and outflow information as well as the model structure, and develop an optimization model to minimize the production time (i.e., makespan) using a mixed integer linear programing (MILP). The unique feature of the proposed model is that the optimal process scheduling is established based on real-time resource logistics information using a radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, thereby theoretically requiring no material inventories. essential information for process operation, such as the required amount of raw materials and estimated arrival timing to manufacturing plant, is used as logistics constraints in the optimization model to yield the optimal manufacturing scheduling to satisfy final production demands. We illustrated the capability of the proposed decision model by applying the optimization model to two scheduling problems in a real pharmaceutical intermediates manufacturing process. As a result, the optimal production schedule and raw materials order timing were identified to minimize the makespan while satisfying all the product demands.