Knowledge–based dynamic scheduling and decision support

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the role that knowledge–based system technologies can play in the development and implementation of more effective decision–support systems. The prototyping of a knowledge–based decision–support system (KBDSS) for supporting the complex, resource–constrained problem of scheduling subsystems and experiments for NASA's space station programme is discussed and serves to highlight various concepts. The dynamic payload scheduling (DYPAS) system, unlike most previous scheduling approaches, is capable of handling the many dynamic elements which characterise a broader class of scheduling problems such as those related to flexible manufacturing systems and computer–integrated manufacturing environments. Also, the integration of knowledge–based decision support, and operations research technologies into a more generic knowledge–based, scheduling shell is discussed, as well as, directions for future research for accomplishment of this shell.