Bottleneck Oriented Load Planning in Heat Treatment – Optimizing the Production Flow Saves on Time and Resources

Making money in heat treating is becoming increasingly challenging. The ongoing economic crisis has significantly impacted the industry. However, understanding the true dynamic capacity of partially idled equipment and maximizing even the smallest capabilities can optimize the cost-to-earnings ratio. While computer systems are widely used to plan workflows, they often lack the necessary knowledge to effectively break down shop orders into actual loads. This article provides an overview of the existing planning layers and the various methods employed. It explains how strategic planning around bottlenecks can optimize throughput while minimizing equipment usage, thereby conserving resources.