Methods of Sequencing in Job Shops—A Review

In a job shop the sequence of operations required to process a job lot varies from job to job. At any time there are many jobs in the shop competing for the use of the manufacturing facilities. The problem of sequencing the jobs so as to optimize profits has not been solved. A number of solutions are available for special cases. Simulation appears to be a promising method of study for this problem. This paper reviews the definition of the job shop, the models proposed to date, solutions based on these models, and surveys prospects for the future.