Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM

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Produktionsplanung am Computer

Operations Research

Production Planning and Control

Operations research (OR) helps make complex decisions by using mathematical models and methods to optimize processes. From production and logistics to investment decisions – operations research ensures that resources are used efficiently and overall operations are improved. In this way, OR enables companies and organizations to make faster, well-founded decisions that save time and money.

At the center of the diverse projects of the Operations Research department is therefore always the question: »Which activities are to be scheduled at what times, using which resources?«

Depending on the application, we offer solutions for the following issues:

Operational Control of Processes
Tatical Planning of Activities and Resources
Design of Production Facilities and Operating Strategies
Solutions for Configuration and Packing Problems in Production

We work with a wide range of customers, including manufacturing and service-orineted companies as well as software houses, for whom we develop costomized (software) solutions tailored to their individual requirements. In doing so, we pay special attention to a holistic view of different planning horizons and their integration.

We use methods from applied mathematics, computer science and economics. Our focus is on the (further) development of combinatorial optimization methods and related modeling approaches.

Operational Planning and Control in Production

In dynamic production environments, every decision counts. In many cases, an automated system determines which activity is due next with the aim of maximizing throughput, minimizing set-up times and completing activities on time. For precisely such situations, we develop and evaluate individual strategies for detailed planning - and integrate them directly into existing IT systems if required.

Advanced Production Planning

With customized mathematical models and optimization algorithms, we make production processes predictable, flexible, and resource-efficient.

Optimization of Production Sequences

Algorithms for minimizing setup times and costs while ensuring on-time deliveries.

Tactical Planning: Utilizing Flexibility, Managing Uncertainties

Tactical planning is usually carried out with a lead time of a few days to a few weeks. The scope for decision-making is greater than in operational planning, and is also accompanied by greater uncertainty in the data. In order to create an optimal basis for operational execution, we develop suitable planning processes, appropriate data models, and customized planning algorithms.

Orchestration of Production Networks

We develop customized models and software solutions that efficiently coordinate processes, capacities, and collaboration across departments, locations, and companies.

Material Flow and Supply

With our models, we optimize production processes, shorten throughput times, and make optimal use of capacities—even in complex production networks.

Delivery Dates in Production

Our customized planning and forecasting tools ensure realistic delivery dates, identify bottlenecks in good time, and improve production processes.

Digitalization in Infrastructure Construction

Our team develops models and algorithms for decision support in infrastructure construction. One aim is to use planning tools to reduce construction delays in major projects.

Processes in Crafts and Construction

The eMasterCraft project aims to increase the use of digital data exchange and IT-supported processes in the crafts sector.

Smart Processes in the Construction Industry

In the ConWearDi project, we are developing a platform to enable the digitalization of services in the construction industry.

Customized Digital Planning Processes

The digitization of planning processes is intended to help manufacturing companies get the most out of their usual workflows. An in-house optimization team provides support with the development of customized software.

Making Uncertainties Plannable and Optimizing Processes

A pharmaceutical company needs patients who are willing to participate in a study for a new drug. This is where the uncertainties already begin: Are there enough suitable people? We counter these uncertainties with mathematical solutions and optimize the process.

Design of Production Facilities and Operating Strategies

Decisions with long lead times, high costs and potentially high economic risk require a solid analysis, especially when changing conditions demand quick and flexible responses. In dialogue with our customers, we systematically analyze production sites and operating strategies to proactively counter uncertainties at an early stage. On request, we also enable them to perform these analyses independently on a regular basis.

Optimization of the Factory Layout and Operating Strategy

We use customized models and simulations to design optimal production layouts. Our analyses minimize risks, improve processes, and make companies future-proof.

Robust Supply Chains

Models and algorithms for analyzing and optimizing supply chains minimize risks while increasing their efficiency.

Transportation Logistics

In order to increase efficiency beyond company boundaries, suitable assistance systems are needed to ensure a smooth transfer of information and to identify and communicate better transportation options.

Solutions for Configuration and Packing Problems in Production

In complex production environments, there is a wide variety of additional planning tasks alongside the actual production planning. Often, these involve challenging configuration or packaging problems. We also develop customized solutions for such tasks and integrate them into the process planning.

Configuration of complex products

We use intelligent algorithms and software solutions to improve complex sets of rules that control the construction of machines.

Variant Reduction in Truck Chassis Assembly

We develop platforms and product families for variant reduction in truck chassis assembly.

Optimization of Cutting Plans

We develop algorithms for optimizing cutting patterns with the aim of using raw materials efficiently.

Methodological Competence

Our team in the »Operations Research« department has extensive experience in the mathematical modelling, simulation and optimization of tasks in production planning and in the implementation of distributed planning systems.

For these challenges, we use approaches from combinatorial optimization, mixed-integer programming, constraint programming, scheduling algorithms and heuristic methods. Depending on the problem, we select the most suitable concepts and tailor them to current questions and requirements. Further, we regularly use discrete-event simulations to evaluate concepts such as rolling planning approaches.

Contact

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Heiner Ackermann

Head of Department »Optimization – Operations Research« in the division »Optimization«

Fraunhofer-Institut für Techno- und Wirtschaftsmathematik ITWM
Fraunhofer-Platz 1
67663 Kaiserslautern

Phone +49 631 31600-4517

Fax +49 631 31600-5517

Send email
heiner.ackermann@itwm.fraunhofer.de
more info

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Sebastian Velten

Team leader »Production Planning« in the Division »Optimization«

Fraunhofer-Institut für Techno- und Wirtschaftsmathematik ITWM
Fraunhofer-Platz 1
67663 Kaiserslautern

Phone +49 631 31600-4260

Fax +49 631 31600-5260

Send email
sebastian.velten@itwm.fraunhofer.de
more info