Abstract
The present research study will be dedicated to expounding an integrated event-based scheduling model, which model will, in turn, be based on an object-oriented method and a knowledge-based methodology. In order to complete the said model, the integration of vision and scheduling systems has been taken one step further, especially as far as the processing of events, data integration and interface design are concerned. Consequent upon the latter research, three knowledge-based domain schedulers will be expounded as scheduling control mechanisms. For the completion of the integrated scheduling system, scheduling strategies and methods based on general environments have been developed further. A wide knowledge base model will also be introduced. Finally, a case study based on the management and manufacturing environments of Omega Holdings Ltd will be conducted with the help of the proposed new scheduling model. The author hopes that the integrated event-based scheduling system will serve as an effective scheduling system tool for manufacturing and industrial-management environments alike.
This thesis comprises three sections, the first of which provides an overview of scheduling literature, including scheduling types, methods and technologies in a manufacturing environment. The first section will also be dedicated to a discussion on current approaches to scheduling and their respective limitations, followed by the introduction of an integrated scheduling model for interactive event-based intelligent scheduling. This will be followed by a detailed function analysis of the model in question, based on its architecture.
The second section holds the key to this thesis, as it will be dedicated to a discussion on knowledge-based domain schedulers for interactive scheduling, the implementation of three knowledge-based domain schedulers based on an object-oriented concept and event-based scheduling strategies. Consequent upon this discussion, the model of a wide integrated knowledge base will be developed further.
Finally, an interactive event-based intelligent scheduling system will be developed for a dynamic manufacturing environment, whereupon an evaluation of the proposed scheduling tool and system will be effected. A case study undertaken in an existing holding company will then be used to illustrate how to realise interactive event-based intelligent scheduling and how to improve on the management function in a dynamic environment.
The thesis will culminate in a summary of the pros and cons of the proposed system.
In conclusion, an indication will be given as to possible areas for future research, such as multilayer scheduling in a distributed environment.
Prof. E.M. Ehlers