The boundless freedom of dynamic scheduling!

Breda, 13 June 2023

The PlateButler has been a leading light in dynamic scheduling for many years. This is the process where the effect of real-time events is absorbed, the current status of the scheduling is analysed, and scheduling is automatically modified using appropriate measures that help to limit disruptions. But what does dynamic scheduling actually entail? Allow us to tell you everything about the PlateButler, and the freedom and flexibility it offers, because therein lies the answer.

FREEDOM
The freedom offered by dynamic scheduling knows no bounds. The ability to simultaneously start an infinite number of work-flows - even during a run, as well as the option of modifying already started work-flows, ensures a maximum amount of freedom to optimise. Once the work-flow is under way, the PlateButler autonomously learns to optimise itself during the run, and is able to provide static times for specific steps during the process. Because ad hoc plates can be loaded during a run, and due to the optional safety circuit, it is possible to run the PlateButler in various modes without making concessions in accessibility and flexibility.

FLEXIBILITY
Thanks to the flexibility of dynamic scheduling, the offered freedom can be maximised. For instance, the Pier and BarQ docking station ensures unlimited flexibility and variety in work-flows. This is immediately recognised by the PlateButler irrespective of its location in the platform. Instruments also remain available on a standalone basis, and are easy to access thanks to turntables and drawers. You can even take the instruments offline during a run, and restart them for temporary standalone use. It is also possible to group similar instruments, which makes it is easy to take instruments offline and start extra instruments without having an impact on the work-flow.  

This is where the dynamic scheduling capabilities of the PlateButler come to the fore. Did you know that the PlateButler also creates deck segmentations for all pipette robots, so a pipette robot will never have to wait or remain idle? But that's not all! Plates will also never have to wait on the Nano dispenser. The PlateButler automatically calculates when a plate or work-flow must be started in relation to the previous plate or work-flow, so that it is ready for the nano dispenser at exactly the right time.

AUTONOMY
You now know what kind of freedom dynamic scheduling is able to offer. The PlateButler has been developed so that it can incorporate all brands and personally developed instruments into a work-flow, and use them interchangeably. Autonomy is also demonstrated by the ability to inter-connect an unlimited number of robot arms, whereby your platform can easily be divided into segments that have their own specific work-flows. This means you will be completely independent and be able to make your own choices. 

Opt for the endless freedom and flexibility offered by the PlateButler, and fully utilise the ability to optimise work-flows at any given moment. Try it for yourself, and experience the user-friendliness, adaptability and endless advantages offered by dynamic scheduling.