Abstract: A method for calculating the use of resources in a multi-task, multi-resource environment, such as a factory that produces more than one product and that has at least one machine that can process more than one product. The resources are grouped into resource groups according to the tasks they process. The method includes solving an iterative algorithm, whose solution is a fractional value representing the effective number of resources per resource group. This value can be used in usage formulas where the number of resources per group is used to determine how tasks should be allocated.

Abstract: The present invention includes processing circuitry (11) interfacing with a multi-process environment (10) for performing a method of determining an average batch size. A processor (12) receives input parameters corresponding to characteristics of the multi-process environment (10) from interfacing circuitry (18). These input parameters generate a first utilization factor which generates a first estimate of the average batch size during a first iteration step. A second utilization factor and in turn a second estimate of the average batch size are generated during a second iteration step.