Time autonomy in personnel planning: Requirements and solution approaches in the context of intelligent scheduling from a holistic organizational perspective

Abstract

Traditional work models often need more flexibility and time autonomy for employees, especially in manufacturing. Quantitative approaches and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications offer the potential to improve work design. However, current research does not entirely focus on human-centric criteria that enable time autonomy. This paper addresses this gap by developing a set of criteria to evaluate intelligent personnel planning approaches based on their ability to enhance time autonomy for employees. Existing quantitative approaches are not sufficient to fully integrate the developed criteria.Consequently, a novel model approach is proposed in an attempt to bridge the gap between current practices and the newly developed criteria. This two-stage planning approach fosters democratization of time autonomy on the shopfloor, moving beyond traditional top-down scheduling. The paper concludes by outlining the implementation process and discusses future developments with respect to AI for this model approach.Practical Relevance: In order to make working conditions on the shopfloor in high-wage countries more attractive, an alternative organization of shift work is needed. Intelligent planning approaches that combine traditional operations research methods with artificial intelligence approaches can democratize shift organization regarding time autonomy. Planning that takes both employee and employer preferences into account in a balanced way will strengthen the long-term competitiveness of manufacturing companies in high-wage countries and counteract the shortage of skilled labor.