Development of Scheduling Optimization Tool using Excel VBA and Solver for Productivity Improvement of Slitting Machines for PVC/PVDC Film

Abstract

Scheduling is one of the most important aspects for the efficient operation of any manufacturing industry. Scheduling deals with both time allocation as well as resource allocation to produce required quantity. Scheduling task in the polyvinyl chloride film manufacturing industry was not established any standardized process. This task was person dependent and produced required quantity without using optimum resources. The proposed model aims at automation of scheduling of slitting machines in polyvinyl chloride film manufacturing industry to minimize total processing time by using Integer Linear Programming Technique. Slitting is the process of cutting of bigger length and width of jumbo rolls to the smaller length and width of baby spools. Slitting machines handle a variety of materials, although each machine has its own constraints and capabilities. The proposed model is developed by using MS Excel VBA and Solver for optimum utilization of resources. This helps decision makers in planning and decision-making process of machine allocation.