Collaborative batch aggregation and scheduling in a manufacturing environment

A computer-based system for creating and scheduling batches, comprising a first engine operable to:

• allocate one or more demands to one or more batches having suggested sizes and starting times using a mathematical programming strategy comprising evaluating a plurality of time-based penalties in allocating the demands to the batches;
• and
• communicate the suggested batch sizes and starting times, and feedback relating to the suggested sizes and starting times, from the first engine to a second engine for use in scheduling starting times for the batches.

Computer software for creating and scheduling batches, the software embodied in one or more computer-readable media and when executed operable to:

• allocate one or more demands to one or more batches having suggested sizes and starting times using first software implementing a mathematical programming strategy comprising evaluating a plurality of time-based penalties in allocating the demands to the batches;
• and
• communicate the suggested sizes and starting times, and feedback relating to the suggested sizes and starting times, from the first software to second software for use in scheduling starting times for the batches.