A reference model for conceptual modelling of production planning processes

Production planning consists in the simultaneous determination of the production, inventory and capacity levels of a company on a finite planning horizon with the objective of minimising the total costs generated by production plans. This article mainly focuses on proposing a reference model for conceptual modelling of production planning processes. Firstly, a methodology for the identification and analysis of inputs, outputs, processes and subprocesses for the conceptual modelling of production planning processes is described. Then, this methodology is applied to develop a general conceptual model which can be used as a reference model by planners and researchers who need to model their own production planning processes.