A sequencing problem involves determining the optimal order or sequence of performing a series of jobs by a number of facilities in order to optimize the total cost or time. Sequencing problems arise in various situations such as manufacturing plants, hospitals, and banks. To find the optimum sequence, the total elapsed time for each of the possible sequences needs to be calculated. The general sequencing problem involves finding the sequence out of all possible sequences that minimizes the total elapsed time between the start of the job in the first machine and the completion of the last job on the last machine. Some of the basic terms used in sequencing include the number of machines, processing order, and processing time.