The hardest part is modeling
The most challenging part of an automatic shift work schedule is not the solving. The optimization solver does the solving for you. The hard part is the formulation, creating the equation to be given to the optimization solver. In academic terminology, the formulation is called modeling.
I didn’t hear you say, “I’m going to formulate a formula! I didn’t hear that! Don’t worry; you won’t be entering any equations in the scheduling nurse.
There are many books on modeling for professionals, and if you peek at them, you will see that they are indeed full of complex formulas. Even for experts, modeling is intricate.
Converting specifications to constraints :Modeling
Optimization solvers are also used inside the scheduler. So you need to give the computer instructions in a language it understands.
In the case of a work schedule, it is necessary to convert workplace rules and specifications regarding staff quality of life into “constraints,” words that the computer can understand.
The “specification” stage is software-independent, but the “constraint” stage is software-dependent. This is because constraints are described (set) in the software’s language.
â– The skill to convey your thoughts to the computer
â– A powerful engine that can search to or near physical limit
When these two are combined, they will indeed become the most powerful tool in history.
I sincerely hope that future master managers will acquire the skills to immediately convey their thoughts to the computer and improve the shift in the world.
This will not only reduce their workload but also improve the quality of life of every staff member, and ultimately lead to the avoidance of accidents and other risks and increased productivity in the organization.