Algorithms for the computerised construction of shift systems which meet ergonomic criteria

Area of Science:

• Operations Research
• Industrial Engineering
• Human Factors Engineering

Background:

• Designing effective shift systems is crucial for balancing employee well-being and operational efficiency.
• Existing methods may not adequately address complex constraints or allow for simultaneous optimization of multiple criteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a search algorithm for generating shift systems that meet specified constraints.
• To enable weighting and prioritization of criteria such as shift timing, leisure time, and regularity.
• To offer a heuristic approach for more complex shift system designs.

Main Methods:

• A search algorithm is employed to generate shift systems based on user-defined physiological and social constraints.
• Shift systems are weighted using criteria including temporal distribution, weekend leisure, and regularity.
• A heuristic algorithm is described for constructing more complex systems, particularly for the services sector.

Main Results:

• The algorithm can generate all feasible shift systems for up to five crews, common in industrial settings.
• The system allows users to simultaneously consider multiple criteria and assign priorities.
• A complementary heuristic method addresses the needs of the services sector with more complex requirements.

Conclusions:

• The presented algorithm provides a systematic and flexible approach to shift system design.
• It empowers users to create tailored shift schedules that optimize for various factors, enhancing both worker satisfaction and operational performance.
• The dual approach caters to both industrial and service sector needs for efficient shift scheduling.