Production scheduling in multiproduct multistage semicontinuous food processes

Abstract

This works presents a novel mixed-integer programming framework and a solution strategy for the optimal production scheduling of multiproduct and multistage food process industries, such as ice-cream production facilities, studied in detail. The overall mathematical framework relies on an efficient modeling approach of the sequencing decisions, the integrated modeling of all production stages, and the inclusion of strong valid integer cuts in the formulation. The simultaneous optimization of all processing stages increases the plant production capacity, reduces the production cost for final products, and facilitates interaction among the different departments of the production facility. Several instances of a real-life industrial case study concerning ice-cream production have been solved to optimality to illustrate the applicability and efficiency of the overall modeling and solution approach.