Scheduling refers to the forward-looking planning, coordination, and control of resources, orders, and processes. The goal is to make processes efficient, timely, and cost-effective.
A typical example is route planning in a freight forwarding company. Here, scheduling ensures that trucks are optimally utilized and delivery deadlines are met. In production, scheduling ensures that materials are available on time and machines are used efficiently.
Scheduling is not just planning, but also reacting. Unexpected changes such as traffic jams, machine breakdowns, or delivery delays require rapid action. Effective scheduling therefore uses real-time data and flexible tools. Modern software solutions support dispatchers in decision-making and make processes transparent.
Scheduling is closely linked to the concept of resource planning. Resources can be people, machines, vehicles, or materials. The goal is to use them efficiently and avoid downtime. Economic factors such as costs, time, and quality must also be taken into account.
