ABSTRACT
The lack of availability of equipment spares has resulted in plants temporarily closing down lines until they can source replacement parts, thus curtailing production. The fiscal policies that have triggered rampant inflation compound the political uncertainties and affect the cost of borrowing and inventory. And the ever-growing impacts of extreme weather events add to the long list of disturbances that complicate the lives of all involved in the supply chain today. The level of volatility is expected to decline but to a higher residual level than before. Also, the threat of another pandemic-like situation hangs over the industry, dictating that companies must continue to build and retain their capabilities to deal with more uncertainty and volatility. Production scheduling is often the weakest link in the entire customer satisfaction process. It is rarely given the resources, attention, and funding required to succeed. Production scheduling determines when materials are consumed and produced.
