Method, system, and computer program product for optimizing throughput of lots

A system for optimizing throughput of lots in a production facility, comprising:

• a production machine;
• and
• a host system in communication with the production machine, the host system executing a manufacturing execution system and a lot optimization application, the lot optimization application including a user interface for assigning lot subtypes to lots in the production facility, one of the lot subtypes comprising a designator operable for distinguishing lots selected for expedited handling;
• wherein upon entering a production queue, the lot optimization application performs:
• identifying a lot having the designator, the lot awaiting at least one process by the machine;
• responsive to the identifying, sending an inhibit signal to the machine, the inhibit signal operable for preventing dispatch of a lot in the production queue that is next in line for the machine and which does not have the designator;
• and
• in response to receiving a signal that the machine is available, sending a signal to the machine for binding the machine to the lot having the designator.

A computer program product for optimizing throughput of lots in a production facility, the computer program product including instructions for performing a method, comprising:

• assigning lot subtypes to lots in the production facility, one of the lot subtypes comprising a designator operable for distinguishing lots selected for expedited handling;
• upon entering a production queue, identifying a lot having the designator, the lot awaiting a process;
• responsive to the identifying, sending an inhibit signal to a machine, the inhibit signal operable for preventing dispatch of a lot in the production queue that is next in line for the machine and which does not have the designator;
• and
• in response to receiving a signal that the machine is available, sending a signal to the machine for binding the machine to the lot having the designator.