A simulation approach for planning and re-assigning of personnel in manufacturing

In many manufacturing systems human resources are the most expensive, but also the most flexible factors. Therefore, the optimal utilization of human resources is an important success factor contributing to long-term competitiveness. With regard to the qualification of the workforce, there exist a large number of possibilities for varying the abilities of employed persons and for allocating them to tasks. Of course, the chosen assignment has an important effect upon labour cost and on the achievement of typical logistical goals. In order to consider the plurality of possibilities for personnel assignment and to exploit the flexibility of human resources, effective planning tools are needed. For this purpose, the ifab-Institute of Human and Industrial Engineering at the University of Karlsruhe exploits the possibility of using simulation as a planning tool, e.g. for re-assigning personnel to tasks in the middle term. Dependent upon the type of personnel assignment problem various tools have been developed, e.g. the personnel-oriented simulation tool ESPE (Engpassorientierte Simulation von Personalstrukturen). This article will explain, using one case study with varying questions, the procedures and the solutions for different types of personnel re-assignment problems. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.