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This monograph proposes quantitative approaches for production planning problems in automated manufacturing. In particular, techniques from operations research/combinatorial optimization provide ways to tackle these problems. Special attention is devoted to the efficient use of tools in production planning for automated manufacturing systems. The book presents models and tests solution strategies for different kinds of production decisions. A case study in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards highlights the methodology. This book should help readers to understand the nature of production planning problems emerging in automated manufacturing and to show how techniques from operations research may contribute to their solution.