| Article ID: | iaor2007211 |
| Country: | United States |
| Volume: | 36 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| Start Page Number: | 69 |
| End Page Number: | 86 |
| Publication Date: | Jan 2006 |
| Journal: | Interfaces |
| Authors: | Downs Brian, Bixby Ann |
| Keywords: | programming: linear |
Swift & Company uses an integrated system of 45 linear-programming models based on three model formulations to dynamically schedule its beef-fabrication operations at five plants in real time as it receives orders. This scheduling application resulted in documented improvements in key metrics, such as order fulfillment, on-time delivery, and the percentage of a week's scheduled production for which there are existing orders. The application enabled Swift & Company to execute its business strategy and obtain a 200 percent return on investment in its first year of production.