Sequence-Dependent Scheduling at Baxter International

Steven Moss, Cheryl Dale and Glenn Brame
Additional contact information
Steven Moss: Delta State University, PO Box 3275, Cleveland, Mississippi 38733
Cheryl Dale: William Carey College, 498 Tuscan Avenue, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401
Glenn Brame: Baxter International, Highway 61, North Cleveland, Mississippi 38732

Interfaces, 2000, vol. 30, issue 2, 70-80

Abstract: We solved Baxter International's IV (intravenous) systems production scheduling as a sequence-dependent scheduling problem. Unlike problems previously studied, Baxter's production line has a large number of components and parts (IV systems) with a nonrepetitive schedule. We compared cluster analysis and mathematical programming as alternative methodologies to solve the scheduling problem. Mathematical programming produces solutions that do better in optimizing setup times. Cluster analysis produces results that managers prefer over mathematical programming because cluster analysis reduces resource requirements relative to mathematical programming. Baxter's implementation of the scheduling model based on cluster analysis on four production lines reduces setup times and saves $165,000 annually.

Keywords: PRODUCTION/SCHEDULING—SEQUENCING; INDUSTRIES—MEDICAL SUPPLIES (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2000
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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