Relaxed Scheduling Policy

This is a very short term scheduling policy. In many small companies, most of the scheduling jobs are left to foremen, who being "practical shop men". They are likely to do their scheduling on their own. Some of them hardly have a fixed schedule as far ahead as one week and the 'real schedule' can be found only in the scheduler's head.

This type of scheduling amounts to no more than responding to a foreman's hurry-up call "1/2 inch screws are out of stock or not available in the stores" or 'simply waiting for complaints to arrive and then searching or investigating the stock on hand'.

Merits

1. Simple and easy.

2. No burden on top management.

3. Since the shop floor men are involved, they know the day to day problems and hence they can plan efficiently.

4. Effective planning is possible since the scheduler is more practical than theoretical

Demerits

1. If the foreman is not available due to any reason, the work gets disturbed or stopped.

2. The personal prejudices and opinions may affect the scheduled jobs.

3. No scientific basis.

4. Spare-part management is difficult because forward planning is missing.

5. Behavioural problems affect the schedules.