# Basic Priority Dispatching Heuristic

- valid schedule 
   = order of steps is maintained (procedure constraints are satisfied)
   = capacity constraints are satisfied

but not necessarily optimal

- deadlocks are possible
- maximum waiting time is not considered


principle:

- select all possible steps
- select the one with the highest priority
- dispatch it to the schedule 
- repeat until all steps are scheduled

🚧 Under Construction 🚧 Until better docs arrive there is some AI generated generic description
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The Basic Priority Dispatching Heuristic is a simple but effective approach to scheduling tasks in the context of labware movement in lab automation platforms. This heuristic is based on assigning priorities to tasks and dispatching them according to their priority levels. Here's a basic outline of how this heuristic can be applied:

1. **Task Prioritization:**
   - Assign priorities to tasks based on predefined criteria. This could include factors such as sample urgency, project importance, or specific requirements of the experiment. For example, high-priority tasks may involve critical samples or experiments with tight deadlines.

2. **Priority Queue:**
   - Maintain a priority queue that organizes tasks based on their assigned priorities. Higher-priority tasks should be at the front of the queue.

3. **Dispatching:**
   - When a resource (e.g., a robotic arm) becomes available, select the task with the highest priority from the front of the queue for execution.

4. **Dynamic Adjustment:**
   - Periodically reassess task priorities based on real-time conditions or changes in experiment requirements. This allows for dynamic adjustments to the schedule.

5. **Emergency Handling:**
   - Introduce mechanisms to handle emergency situations or unexpected events. These mechanisms may involve interrupting lower-priority tasks to address critical issues.

6. **Feedback Loop:**
   - Implement a feedback loop to continuously improve the scheduling process. Analyze the efficiency of the schedule, identify bottlenecks or areas for improvement, and adjust the priority criteria accordingly.

7. **Integration with Lab Information Systems:**
   - Ensure integration with the Lab Information Management System (LIMS) or other relevant information systems. This integration provides the scheduling system with real-time data on sample status, experiment requirements, and any changes in priorities.

8. **Resource Optimization:**
   - Optimize the allocation of resources based on the priority of tasks. Higher-priority tasks may require more dedicated resources or faster processing times.

9. **User Intervention:**
   - Allow for manual intervention when necessary. Lab personnel should have the ability to override the automated schedule in case of exceptional circumstances or specific user preferences.

10. **Monitoring and Reporting:**
    - Implement a monitoring system to track the progress of scheduled tasks. Generate reports on completed tasks, deviations from the schedule, and overall system performance.

It's important to note that while the Basic Priority Dispatching Heuristic is a straightforward approach, its effectiveness depends on the specific requirements and characteristics of the lab automation system. More sophisticated scheduling algorithms, such as genetic algorithms or machine learning-based approaches, may be considered for complex and dynamic environments where task priorities are constantly changing. The choice of the scheduling method should align with the goals and complexity of the lab automation platform.

(ChatGPT 3.5, 20231015)


Basic Priority Dispatching Heuristic is a simple algorithm used in job shop scheduling to determine the order in which jobs should be processed on machines. The algorithm assigns a priority to each job based on its due date, processing time, and other factors. The job with the highest priority is processed first, followed by the next highest priority job, and so on. This helps to ensure that jobs are completed on time and that machines are used efficiently.

The algorithm works by first calculating the priority of each job. The priority is typically calculated as a weighted sum of various factors such as the job's due date, processing time, and the number of operations required to complete the job. Once the priorities have been calculated, the jobs are sorted in descending order of priority. The highest priority job is then selected and assigned to an available machine. The machine processes the job until it is complete, and then the next highest priority job is selected and assigned to the machine. This process continues until all jobs have been processed.

Basic Priority Dispatching Heuristic is a simple and effective algorithm that can be used in a variety of job shop scheduling applications. It is particularly useful in situations where there are many jobs to be processed and limited resources available. The algorithm helps to ensure that jobs are completed on time and that machines are used efficiently, which can lead to increased productivity and profitability. However, the algorithm does not take into account factors such as machine breakdowns or unexpected delays, which can impact the scheduling of jobs.

(github copilot)