Optimal production, scheduling, lot-sizing and power generation for a soft drink factory in absence of a power grid

Abstract

Lot-sizing and scheduling has become an important aspect of manufacturing businesses nowadays. The effective and efficient management of scheduling and planning has the potential of reducing production cost which leads to increase in quality of products, which brings about competitive advantage. Lot-sizing and scheduling is a critical success factor especially in developing countries that lack technological infrastructure and resources available in developed countries. Due to the peculiar nature of the issue in Nigeria, the unit commitment problem (UCP) has to added to production planning to include energy considerations.

Inspired by the complexity and the challenges faced by the soft drink industry in Nigeria. The aim of this thesis is to develop mathematical models for production planning that minimises production and backorder cost, evaluate the models under various demand profiles and determine the power needs of the factory under various demand profiles. Secondly, the thesis examines the operational and performance of diesel generators in preparation for model development, develops models that help determine minimum investment and running costs of diesel generators which falls under the unit commitment problem.

The contributions of this thesis brings about development on a academic front by developing mathematical models that combine production planning and unit commitment with real world implications.

A case study of a Nigerian soft drink producing company provides motivation and provides practical importance for the contribution of this thesis in the real world.

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ORCID for Patrick Beullens: orcid.org/0000-0001-6156-3550

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