Abstract This is a study of a scheduling method, and its application in a multi-process production department, by which is meant one having numerous process, each with its own unique process sequence. Typically, production sites have many product items that need to go through a series of process sequences in different machines in order to be completely processed. Another frequent problem is the large variety of machines involved. A practical method is proposed here which can reduce production lead-time in the production department without spending too many man-hours on making the schedule. The system has already been implemented and operated successfully by several electronics manufacturers.