Process Planning and Analysis in the Presence of External Innuences

In this paper we present a powerful technique for analysing complex production systems incorporating task duration, cost, and the impact of external factors. Processes are modelled as a network, similar to PERT/CPM schemes, but with built-in decision and cost variables. For minimal increased complexity in the development of the network, we show that powerful analysis and optimisation techniques are enabled. The concept of feasible paths is introduced as a key factor in the analysis and optimisation process.