Which technique calculates operation start dates by working backward from the order due date?

• A. Forward scheduling
• B. Back scheduling
• C. Material requirements planning
• D. Lead time calculation

Answer: (B)

Backward scheduling is used when an order has a fixed due date. You start with the due date for the final product and work backward through each operation in the routing, subtracting the operation times, setup times, wait times, and any required buffers. This gives the latest possible start and finish times for every step, ensuring the entire process completes on or before the due date. It also highlights any bottlenecks or capacity constraints that could push dates forward, helping you adjust timing or resources to meet the deadline.

Forward scheduling, by contrast, would project earliest start and finish dates starting from the release date, not from the due date. Material Requirements Planning focuses on determining material needs and timing via the bill of materials and lead times, rather than sequencing backward from a due date. Lead time calculation measures how long a process takes, but it isn’t the scheduling technique that starts from the due date.