A new scheduling system has been developed for the steel-making process with complex material handling system and lead-time constraints. To devise its scheduling algorithm, our general approach to the multi-stage production scheduling was applied. The algorithm, which can satisfy various objectives and constraints by a combination of backward and forward scheduling, was installed in the new scheduling system using discrete-event simulation with crane assignment rules and pick up timing rules. This system, which can create a refined and reasonable schedule in short time, has contributed to improvement of efficiency in steel-making process.
