1998-11-01 : Taylor Manufacturing Systems Demonstrates New Optimization Algorithms
by http://www.taylor.com
Taylor Manufacturing Systems Demonstrates New Optimization Algorithms Optimizer Compliments Introduction of Four TESS Component Modules
November 1998 - “The optimization technology we added to our advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software offers our customers the functionality they need to resolve complex scheduling demands with conflicting business objectives,” said Ursula Hess, president of Taylor Manufacturing Systems.
The new TESS optimizer compliments four other new modules that the Atlanta-based Taylor introduced at the APICS '98 Conference and Exposition in early November
Hess is pleased with the initial response to the optimizer. “Extensive beta testing at the manufacturing facilities of existing clients has shown excellent results,” she said.
The optimizer finds solutions based on client-specified parameters and production objectives with a set of basic and advanced search methods that include simulated annealing and a genetic algorithm.
According to Hess, the power of these algorithms comes from the fact that they can be targeted for a specific environment and can be configured to run as long as appropriate for the right level of improvement.
The optimizer, which includes a real-time graph showing the progress made after each pass through the schedule, can optimize multiple bottlenecks concurrently. It supplements TESS' powerful rules definition, business constraint management and heuristic algorithms.
Project Leader Satya Vrid said that since TESS suggests the bottleneck conditions to improve, the optimizer can work within a discrete neighborhood of possibilities and propose feasible solutions quickly.
In addition to the optimizer, Taylor also demonstrated four new component TESS modules: a Planning Station, an Available to Promise Station, the Factory Dashboard, and an Operations Manager Station.
Hess said that the new modules provide TESS users with an “integrated plant solution for decision support” that supplies management with a real-time picture of shop floor activities while linking the production with the requirements of the supply chain.