The SEC-system reuse: support for scheduling system development

The development process of computer systems for task support of planning and scheduling is not a unique activity that must be performed from scratch each time. Reuse of previously created conceptual and technical products is possible and recommendable. We claim that adequate computer support starts with a (cognitive) task analysis which reveals general as well as unique aspects. The general aspects can be reused. However, a conceptual framework is necessary that separates general from unique aspects in the task domain and task performance. We propose the Scheduling Expertise Concept (SEC) as such a framework for planning and scheduling. The framework is domain independent and takes into account organisational and task performance characteristics. This generic framework is implemented in a computer system, the SEC-system. The SEC-models and SEC-system enable faster development processes in the planning and scheduling domain. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.