Aggregate Production Planning Using Spreadsheet Solver: Model and Case Study

Abstract

Among existing aggregate production planning (APP) approaches, the spreadsheet solver approach is found to be the most applicable for industries due to the following reasons: (1) the solver on spreadsheet software is readily available on virtually all personal computers, (2) the APP model is relatively easy to formulate in a spreadsheet format, and (3) the results are easy to interpret. This paper presents an APP model and a guideline to develop an optimal aggregate production plan using the spreadsheet solver approach. A manufacturing case study is presented to demonstrate how the guideline can be applied. The developed APP model is also evaluated whether it is satisfactory and can lead to immediate implementation.