The Presentation of Information to the Job-Shop Scheduler

In: Human factors: the journal of the Human Factors Society, Band 20, Heft 6, S. 725-732

Abstract

Three graphic methods of presenting scheduling information were compared with each other and with a conventional, numerical presentation. The graphic methods were based on the Gantt chart, and all three proved more effective than the numerical presentation in helping the subjects produce efficient schedules. One method in particular which used a machines-by-time organization and identified machines by color code proved superior to the others. This is explained in terms of the perceptual nature of problem solution using these methods. It is suggested that this organization of information be adopted when the primary criterion for schedule evaluation is machine utilization and there are limitations on the display space and color-coding available.