An operator scheduling model for logistics service providers

Abstract

In order to enhance the performance of logistics services, managers of a distribution center (DC) or a third-party logistics service provider (LSP) have to increase the efficiency of the shop floor operations via operator performance management and operator scheduling. Traditionally, DC managers usually make decisions related to operator scheduling on the basis of their expertise without a systematic approach and, thus, inappropriate operator scheduling solutions might be generated. To solve the issues of the traditional decision-making approach for operator scheduling, this study proposes an algorithm for logistics operator scheduling on the purpose of assignment of high-efficiency operators to the corresponding logistics activities. The proposed model can be divided into two main modules, namely operator fitness determination (OFD) and logistics operator recommendation (LOR) modules. In advance of operator scheduling, the daily operation requirements are acquired to estimate the required operation time and number of operators. After that, the appropriate logistics operators for specific operations (i.e. operator fitness) can be obtained via OFD module. Based on the historical operation performance of operators and using the Hungarian method, the operator scheduling solution can be generated via LOR module. In addition to the proposed algorithm, an operator scheduling system for LSPs is developed to automatically generate suggestions for logistic operator scheduling. A real-world case is used to evaluate performance of the proposed model and system. As a whole, DC managers can systematically make decisions related to operator scheduling via the proposed model and system and effectively assign appropriate operators to the corresponding logistics activities.