Resource allocation using timed Petri nets and heuristic search

Traditional models for project management have not adequately incorporated a number of factors that are important for resource allocation. This paper proposed a unified timed Petri net model in which scheduling and planning were collectively carried out to take full advantages of the flexibility of the FMS. Through the lens of system theory, two types of resources were distinguished: major role and auxiliary role, and the major role was used to construct the FMS Petri net. The method simplified the Petri net construction and gave a clear flow chart for scheduling. Hence, the auxiliary resource allocation could be easily carried out according to the schedule, which was proposed by heuristic search algorithm. At last, the efficacy of the Petri net model for online scheduling in a resource-constrained environment was discussed.