Method and apparatus for determining cost functions using parameterized components

A system, comprising:

• a resource for processing a workpiece;
• and
• at least one scheduling agent configured to provide a plurality of cost function parameters and access a library of parameterized cost function components based on the plurality of cost function parameters to generate a cost function for processing the workpiece using the resource, at least one of the cost function parameters defining a shape of the cost function, wherein the scheduling agent is further configured to generate a flexibility discount function based on the cost function.

A system, comprising:

• a resource for processing a workpiece;
• and
• at least one scheduling agent configured to provide a plurality of cost function parameters and access a library of parameterized cost function components based on the plurality of cost function parameters to generate a cost function for processing the workpiece using the resource, at least one of the cost function parameters defining a shape of the cost function, wherein the scheduling agent is further configured to generate an urgency discount function based on the cost function.