Resource Scheduling with Permutation Based Representations: Three Applications

Abstract

Resource based scheduling using permutation based representations is reviewed. Permutation based representations are used in conjunction with genetic algorithms and local search algorithms for solving three very different scheduling problems. First, the Coors warehouse scheduling problem involves finding a permutation of customer orders that minimizes the average time that customers' orders spend at the loading docks while at the same time minimizing the running average inventory. Second, scheduling the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) involves scheduling customer requests for contact time with a satellite via a ground station, where slot times on a ground station is the limited resource. The third application is scheduling the tracking of objects in space using ground based radar systems. Both satellites and debris in space must be tracked on regular basis to maintain knowledge about the location and orbit of the object. The ground based radar system is the limited resource, but unlike AFSCN scheduling, this application involves significant uncertainty.