Generating Acceptable Shift-Working Schedules

Abstract

When a factory operates a shift system of working, the work patterns are usually laid down at the start and adhered to for long periods. In this case study, small out-stations with frequent changes in manning require the frequent generation of new schedules. Producing and agreeing such schedules with the workforce can be a fraught and time-consuming task. Hence a computer routine was devised which takes over the generation. An interesting feature is that several feasible routines are generated, allowing the final decision to be taken by the workforce itself.