Multi-stage scheduling for sustainable manufacturing: balancing demand, resources, and social responsibility

Abstract The article presents a hierarchical scheduling decision model aimed at optimizing production planning. Fluctuating demand, limited resources, sustainability goals and the opportunity to negotiate the volume, due date, and composition of the order are the considered constraints. The proposed model is structured into three interconnected levels, each addressing distinct aspects of production planning: demand feasibility, resource allocation, and daily scheduling adjustments. The proposed methodology was tested in a case study involving a Chinese medical device manufacturer. Significant improvements in key performance indicators were observed: increased production efficiency, reduced idle time, and better utilization of resources. Furthermore, the new scheduling model allowed the company to handle a greater variety of orders without increasing labor demands.