DESIGN TOOLS FOR SHIFT SCHEDULES - EMPOWERING ASSISTANCE FOR SKILLED DESIGNERS AND GROUPS

In contrast to most programs for shift scheduling our approach is not based on the definition (of a few) explicit requirements and does not generate schedules automatically. There are two main differences. Firs t, it does not deal with the vagueness and the ambiguity of real world requirements as neglectable shortcomings of pure scheduling problems, but tries to exploit the corresponding design options. Second, we giv e the schedulers a much more active and responsible role. We try hard to support designers to take into account whatever they consider to be important and let them use their experience, their tacit knowledge an d their creativity. The system helps to analyze design options, reduce s tedious work and eases assessment. The SHIFTPLANASSISTANT (SPA) and the PREANALYSIS-TOOLS were developed in intense cooperation with profe ssional designers in the tradition of work-oriented design. They are i n use in several companies and in consultancy. Evaluation shows signif icant time-savings. The approach, the systems, first experiences and i mplications are discussed.