Need a Scheduling Pattern

Looking for a scheduling pattern. Not a simple calendar. Here is my scenario.

• I have 6 work areas where different types of work can be done
• Each of these areas has 4 work stations where the same work can be done
• I have 40 workers that can work many areas (but not guaranteed all areas)
• Every part will have to go through between 3 and 6 areas in a given order before it is "complete"
• Each step in the process can take many hours and thus go over any given 24 hour period

This is something that would be run each morning (at least) to determine that "days" worker schedule. It will calculate out for as far in the future as necessary based on projected/quoted delivery dates of each part in the system.

Nice to have:

• A certain part could get some level of priority which can move it forward ahead of other parts that day
• Possible weighting on workers in areas, meaning worker A is better than average at areas 2 and 5 and thus may get it done faster than someone who is just average