Constrained network-based column generation for the multi-activity shift scheduling problem

María I. Restrepo, Leonardo Lozano and Andrés L. Medaglia

International Journal of Production Economics, 2012, vol. 140, issue 1, 466-472

Abstract: Real applications in shift scheduling often require handling rules such as multiple breaks, flexible shift lengths, overtime, multiple activities, among others. Because these rules demand a high level of flexibility, we model the problem as a Multi-Activity Shift Scheduling Problem (MASSP), where multiple activities can be scheduled in a shift. To solve the MASSP, we propose a column generation-based approach. The auxiliary problem is modeled as a Shortest Path Problem with Resource Constraints (SPPRC), where most difficult constraints are embedded in the underlying graph. To illustrate the solution approach, we present our experience solving a real-world problem from a large parking lot operator that schedules security staff and cashiers among several parking lots in Bogotá (Colombia). The results show a significant reduction on the staffing total costs and on man-hours used.

Keywords: Shift scheduling; Column generation; Shortest path with resource constraints (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:proeco:v:140:y:2012:i:1:p:466-472

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2012.06.030

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