Design of multi-job controlling mechanism in customer order planning and scheduling

Customer order planning and scheduling (COPS) is an integral part of computer integrated manufacturing system (CIMS). Although many scheduling approaches have been proposed, the two features, i.e. the efficiency and the single shipment requirement are seldom considered simultaneously. Also the design of controlling mechanism for COPS is lack. In this study, we design a controlling mechanism to account for both the efficiency and the single shipment requirement by presenting two new measures, i.e. the critical ratio of the order and the ratio of order completion. Furthermore, we recommend a five-step-procedure to operationalize the proposed controlling mechanism. This helps easily identify the order fulfillment statue and provide useful feedback to the COPS system, thus helping develop a more effective and efficient CIMS.