What is forward scheduling?

• A. Starts production ASAP and calculates completion date
• B. Plans backwards from the due date
• C. Schedules only after receiving the order
• D. Focuses on inventory levels

Answer: (A)

Forward scheduling starts production as soon as resources are available and uses processing times and shop-floor constraints to determine the earliest possible completion date. This approach helps you see how quickly you can fulfill orders given current capacity, without waiting for a due date. It’s especially useful for capacity planning and meeting tight deadlines, since you’re focusing on when work can realistically finish starting now. In contrast, planning from the due date backward determines the latest start times needed to hit the deadline, scheduling only after an order arrives emphasizes a pull approach, and focusing on inventory levels relates more to inventory management than to the timing of production.