Simulation-Based Optimization Tool for Field Service Planning

  • Gabriel G. Castane
  • , Helmut Simonis
  • , Kenneth N. Brown
  • , Yiqing Lin
  • , Cemalettin Ozturk
  • , Michele Garraffa
  • , Mark Antunes

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingsConference proceedingpeer-review

Abstract

Many companies that deliver units to customer premises need to provide periodical maintenance and services on request by their field service technicians. A common challenge is to evaluate different design choices, related to staffing decisions, technician scheduling strategies, and technological improvements in order to make the system more efficient. This work provides a simulation-based optimization tool to support decision makers in tackling this challenging problem. The proposed framework relies on an optimization engine for the generation of the daily plans. A simulation component is used to evaluate the applicability of such plans by taking into account the stochastic factors. Furthermore, an interface manages the communication between these two components and allows a feedback loop between the simulator and the optimizer to achieve more robust plans. The applicability of the framework is demonstrated through a business case to evaluate different staffing decisions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2019 Winter Simulation Conference, WSC 2019
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages1684-1695
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9781728132839
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2019
Event2019 Winter Simulation Conference, WSC 2019 - National Harbor, United States
Duration: 8 Dec 201911 Dec 2019

Publication series

NameProceedings - Winter Simulation Conference
Volume2019-December
ISSN (Print)0891-7736

Conference

Conference2019 Winter Simulation Conference, WSC 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityNational Harbor
Period8/12/1911/12/19

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