Chess reasoning and chess mathematics applied to algorithms can be a successful combination.
Planilog has used chess reasoning and math to solve some of its customer's problems.
The algorithms include :
a) a rule base library just like chess rules and tactics : pinning, forks, deflection, etc. In fact in scheduling you can "pin" a work order.
b) a learning base just like chess openings
c) powerful neuronal, combinatory and expert system approch functions
With this approach, you can solve many scheduling problems for many industries.
The only problem is putting all of this together in a high powered low cost package and try to make some money out of it. Then it's really like chess. Everybody has the same pieces and board but then you need talent and hard work to get to the top of the list !
Many years ago, it was thought that a chess computer could not beat a world chess champion. Today nobody doubts that. The same goes for combinatory logic in algorims.
http://www.planilog.com