We present the optimization component of a decision support system developed for a sedan service provider. The system assists supervisors and dispatchers in scheduling driver shifts and routing the fleet throughout the day to satisfy customer demands within tight time windows. We periodically take a snapshot of the dynamic data and formulate an integer program, which we solve to near-optimality using column generation. Although the data snapshot is stale by the time a solution is computed, we are able to solve the integer program quickly enough that the solution can be adopted after minor modifications are made by a fast local-search heuristic. The system described in this paper is currently in use and has improved the provider’s productivity significantly.
By: Oktay Günlük, Tracy Kimbrel, Laszlo Ladanyi, Baruch Schieber, Gregory B. Sorkin
Published in: RC23208 in 2004
LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NOTICE:
This Research Report is available. This report has been submitted for publication outside of IBM and will probably be copyrighted if accepted for publication. It has been issued as a Research Report for early dissemination of its contents. In view of the transfer of copyright to the outside publisher, its distribution outside of IBM prior to publication should be limited to peer communications and specific requests. After outside publication, requests should be filled only by reprints or legally obtained copies of the article (e.g., payment of royalties). I have read and understand this notice and am a member of the scientific community outside or inside of IBM seeking a single copy only.
Questions about this service can be mailed to reports@us.ibm.com .