| Project Objective |
To streamline and automate the existing Rostering process and optimize resource utilization. |
Client |
| A European automobile organization that employs patrols for assisting vehicle breakdowns.
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Approach |
| Rosters were to be generated for more than 100 regions for six-month
duration. A thorough process of understanding the data and the wide
array of constraints was the first step in streamlining the existing
manual process. The existing rostering model was analyzed with a view
to identify areas for improvement and reducing complexity and effort of
the rostering process. Based on our understanding, a simplified yet
more effective rostering approach was developed that improved resource
utilization while reducing rostering time. Key considerations for
streamlining the process included rostering time and effort complexity,
rostering data accuracy and consistency. After outlining a streamlined
manual process, the next step was to evaluate the feasibility of
improving resource utilization by the use of customized optimization
heuristics. The optimization module was implemented in 2 phases: 1) Day
allocation using Integer Programming and 2) Shift allocation using Tabu
Search.
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| Approach for Streamlining and Automating Rostering Process
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Solution |
| A streamlined rostering prototype was created and replicated for all
the regions. This roster simplified the data entry and roster
generating process. The implementation of the heuristic further
improved the resource utilization and reduced manual effort by
automating the optimization process.
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| Comparison of Efficiency Fit Distribution for the Existing and Suggested Rostering Process |
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Benefits |
| An average improvement of 3-4% was observed in the resource
utilization, which translates into a savings of approx. 3 million pounds.
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Resource Planning 
