Determining batch start versus delay

Details Determining batch start versus delay Determining batch start versus delay

2006-04-11

2006-04-11

Gandhi, Jayprakash N. (Department: 2125)

Data processing: generic control systems or specific application

Specific application, apparatus or process

Product assembly or manufacturing

C700S121000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07027885

ABSTRACT:
The invention is a technique by which a manufacturing process flow determines when to begin processing a batch of lots. The invention includes a method for determining whether to begin processing a batch in one aspect and a manufacturing process flow in a second aspect. The method comprises: ascertaining a respective time at which each of a plurality of additional lots will be received into the batch, the batch including a plurality of present lots; assessing a cost for a machine, each additional lot, and each present lot for each respective time at which each additional lot will be received should the machine begin processing the batch at the respective time; and determining the respective time at which the total cost borne by the machine, each additional lot, and each present lot will be at a minimum. The manufacturing process flow comprises a processing tool that processes batch-by-batch, a batch of present lots, a plurality of additional lots that may be included in the batch, and a software agent or a computing system. The software agent/computing system is capable of performing the method set forth above.

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