Closed-Loop Job Release Control for VLSI Circuit Manufacturing

Abstract

This paper introduces a closed-loop job release mechanism for job shops where the main source of randomness is due to machine failure and repair. The release policy adapts concepts of the reorder point method of inventory control to the context of job shop scheduling. The control mechanism, called starvation avoidance, is compared empirically with other input control mechanisms on several semiconductor wafer manufacturing job shops with favorable results. © 1988 IEEE