Order scheduling in intralogistics
Order scheduling describes the quantitative allocation and distribution of tasks or orders to internal available resources. Prior to allocation, the so-called service profiles (effort) of each order are known, for example through a notification or a contract. Each order is also scheduled. Order dispositions to be processed can be binding customer orders or previous planning-related specifications (forecast, requirements). However, the term disposition is ambiguous.
Disposition
A disposition extracted from the industry (economy) is a possible decision (order xy is available for disposition). It flows into the production system as an order according to the so-called decision procedure, or in intralogistics from the host system into the warehouse management system. The decision on how to proceed with the order can be made by a computer, a human or both together – he or she is considered the MRP controller(s) in the decision-making process and until the order is fulfilled.
However, the term is ambiguous and is interpreted differently depending on the field of activity (medicine, business, politics, psychology). In psychology, for example, disposition describes a person’s own opinion; philosophy, on the other hand, sees it as the ability to do something.
Order disposition: Decisions in intralogistics and production
Because conventional planning works with fuzzy information and forecasts, intralogistics and industrial production in particular rely on detailed descriptions of possible dispositions. Thanks to the detailed information, resource-saving distribution to the subsequent processes is guaranteed and, for example, effective production(lean) is ensured. As scheduling includes a scheduled allocation, it is also referred to as detailed planning, production planning or order scheduling.
Order scheduling in practice
Order scheduling is usually handled at an administrative level (in the case of a central organization). Nowadays, ERP systems with corresponding scheduling software handle this processing. They are also supported by the commercial department (human resource). The complexity of assessing, deciding and distributing an individual order is demonstrated by the associated areas of responsibility, which must be taken into account promptly when an order is received. For example, individual order processing involves sales, commercial, technical (resources: man, machine, material) and logistical decisions (storage location, material flow, cut-off time).
The aim of order scheduling is to break down the actual scheduling. However, this only happens after the order has been fulfilled. The scheduler monitors the timely, complete and punctual execution of the individual processes.
Important: As time-critical orders also flow unscheduled into the respective systems (e.g. warehouse management, material flow control), the control station plays an important role in order processing. Order scheduling is always dependent on the strategies of the following areas: Operations (total), warehouse, manufacturing (production) and transportation. Their resources play a key role in correct scheduling.
Intralogistics processes that interact with the scheduling order are:
- Replenishment
- Production/machines
- Material flow / transportation
- Storage / retrieval
- Provision
- Order picking
- Sorter
- Packing / finishing
- Loading / unloading / outgoing goods, incoming goods
- Inspection
Further information on the subject of correct planning can be found under Lean Management and under Performance Analysis.
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