Production planning system and method

An optimization process carried out by an optimization unit, the optimization process comprising the steps:

• modelling of a production environment having at least one machine,
• receiving at least one task for producing a product,
• generating sub-tasks from one task as work steps for at least one machine,
• assigning the sub-tasks to the at least one machine as a production plan after receiving a task or after removal of a sub-task by a distribution unit or after expiry of a predetermined timespan after the last removal of the sub-task by the distribution unit;
• informing an operator if no production plan can be created in which the at least one task for producing the product is produced within a predetermined timespan;
• and
• re-determining the production plan after each removal of a sub-task by the distribution unit or after a predetermined timespan has elapsed after the last removal of a sub-task.

A distribution method carried out according to a distribution unit and an optimization unit, comprising the steps:

• ascertaining the state of at least one machine from a production environment,
• ascertaining whether the production planning of the optimization unit provides for a further sub-task for the machine,
• removing the sub-task from the production planning of the optimization unit, taking into account the determined state of the machine, if the production planning provides for a further sub-task for the machine,
• informing an operator by the optimization unit if no production plan can be created in which at least one task for producing a product is produced within a predetermined timespan, and
• re-determining the production plan after each removal of a sub-task from the optimization unit or after a predetermined timespan has elapsed after the last removal of a sub-task.