Evaluation of Simulation-Based Optimization in Grafting Labor Allocation

Abstract.Vegetable grafting is a labor-intensive operation with many management decisions. Labor management and resource planning are critical allocations in grafting nurseries, yet optimization is challenging due to the dynamic nature of workers’ performance in vegetable seedling propagation. To this end, we developed a simulation-based optimization framework for labor management to optimize labor allocation. This approach was evaluated by comparing its result with those suggested by selected domain experts (a plant scientist and a nursery manager). Furthermore, the simulation models were validated with a dataset from a developing tomato grafting company. Simulation-based optimization is demonstrated as an effective approach to find the optimal/near optimal labor allocation for horticultural nurseries, where discrete event simulation is used to represent the dynamics of the grafting work environment and meta-heuristics are used to devise optimal/ near optimal resource allocation strategies. Results reveal that a potential annual savings between $2,510 (0.6%) and $97,388 (20%) can be achieved for a grafting facility of 6 million plants per year. Keywords: Simulation-based optimization, Grafting, Labor allocation, Discrete event simulation.

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Data Analytics and Its Advantages for Addressing the Complexity of Healthcare: A Simulated Zika Case Study Example

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app9112208 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 2208 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Lily Popova Zhuhadar ◽

Evelyn Thrasher

Keyword(s):

Discrete Event Simulation ◽

Data Analytics ◽

Business Models ◽

Discrete Event ◽

Simulation Models ◽

Resource Planning ◽

The United States ◽

Wait Times ◽

Event Simulation ◽

Use Of Data

The need to control rising costs in healthcare has led to an increase in the use of data analytics to develop more efficient healthcare business models. This article discusses a simulation that uses data analytics to minimize the number of physicians and nurses needed in healthcare facilities during a crisis situation. Using a hypothetical emergency scenario, the hospital uses a healthcare analytical system to predict the necessary resources to govern the situation. Based on historical data regarding the flow of patients through the facility, a discrete-event simulation estimates resource scheduling and the resulting impact on both wait times and personnel demand. Furthermore, the value of multiple replications for discrete-event simulation models is discussed and defined, along with factors that enable greater control of multiple design points with this simulated experiment. The results of this study demonstrate the value of simulation modeling in effective resource planning. The addition of only a single doctor significantly reduced predicted wait times for patients during the crisis. Further, the findings support the use of data analytics and predictive modeling to mitigate rising healthcare costs in the United States through efficient planning and resource allocation.

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Discrete Event Simulation: An Efficient Tool to Assist Shipyard Investment and Production Planning

Journal of Ship Production ◽

10.5957/jsp.2004.20.3.176 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 20 (03) ◽

pp. 176-182

Author(s):

Matthias Krause ◽

Frank Roland ◽

Dirk Steinhauer ◽

Maximilian Heinemann

Keyword(s):

Discrete Event Simulation ◽

Discrete Event ◽

Object Oriented ◽

Simulation Models ◽

Resource Planning ◽

Simulation Tool ◽

Production Flow ◽

Holistic Model ◽

Event Simulation ◽

Tool Set

The complexity both of the product ship and the shipbuilding process make planning tasks in long, medium, and short terms difficult and lead to serious uncertainties. Discrete event simulation can be used to test and evaluate different scenarios in investment planning, scheduling, and resource planning. Using a virtual shipyard environment, the cost to find optimum solutions and the risk related to wrong decisions in the real world can be drastically reduced. However, due to the special skills and efforts usually needed to develop simulation models, the practical application of production flow simulation in shipyards is still rather limited. Object-oriented simulation tool sets specially developed for shipbuilding needs provide the chance to drastically reduce these efforts. Object libraries containing general and shipbuilding specific components with defined interfaces shorten the time needed for development of models for similar purposes. Furthermore, the integration of discrete event simulation models for certain shipyard facilities into a holistic model of the entire enterprise is made possible by using a tool set. Because of costs, some shipyards shy away from investing in simulation techniques. Networking activities and joint projects on simulation issues help to overcome those obstacles. German Flensburger Schiffbaugesellschaft already uses a simulation tool set successfully and actively cooperates with universities and other shipyards, while Center of Maritime Technologies has gathered experience in this field during participation in several simulation projects with other shipyards, for example, Jos. L. Meyer and Aker Ostsee. The article revues practical applications of simulation, gives an impression of how object-oriented simulation tool libraries can be structured, and outlines collaboration possibilities for making simulation applications affordable.

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