Simultaneous versus sequential scheduling of multiple resources which constrain system throughput

The GOAL SYSTEM(TM) implements a drum-buffer-rope (DBR) approach to product ion scheduling. Earlier versions of the software were only capable of build ing a schedule for one constrained resource at a time. If multiple resource s constrained the overall system's capability, the schedules for these reso urces had to be created sequentially. However, the current version contains an ability to simultaneously create multiple constraint schedules. A set o f solutions was generated for benchmark problems developed in previous rese arch. The new results were compared to solutions produced by the sequential algorithm, as well as solutions which optimally minimize maximum tardiness . The simultaneous algorithm was found to slightly reduce maximum tardiness , but performed worse with respect to average flow-time, percentage of tard y jobs and total days late.