This paper is devoted to formalizing the task of scheduling in distributed production systems. The paper examines the features of complex production systems, including the uncertainty characteristic of real production systems, the multi-agent nature of the interaction of elements and the multiplicity of target functions, as well as their impact on the parameters of the production schedule. The paper provides an analysis of scientific literature in the field of distributed production system modeling based on scientific publications presented in Scopus and RSCI. Based on the results of the analysis of international experience in modeling distributed production systems, the structural elements of distributed production systems are described in the context of the task of scheduling. The result of the work is an ontological model of the scheduling process in distributed production systems as a set of strategic interactions in the terminology of game theory and multi-agent systems. To describe game interactions, a set of formalized strategies and agent payoffs in a top-down pattern of game interaction is provided, and a description in terms of BDI models of agents of a multi-agent system involved in the production schedule is also provided. An ontological model of the communication network of the structural elements of distributed production systems is also given in the context of the task of scheduling. The results obtained are the basis for the development of a decision support system for scheduling in distributed production systems.