Article ID: | iaor20072798 |
Country: | Netherlands |
Volume: | 106 |
Issue: | 1 |
Start Page Number: | 92 |
End Page Number: | 103 |
Publication Date: | Jan 2007 |
Journal: | International Journal of Production Economics |
Authors: | Fourer Robert, Dutta Goutam, Majumdar Akhilesh, Dutta Debabrata |
Keywords: | artificial intelligence: decision support, health services |
We describe how a generic multi-period optimization-based decision support system (DSS) can be used for strategic planning in process industries. Built on five fundamental elements – materials, facilities, activities, storage areas and time periods – this DSS requires little direct knowledge of optimization techniques to be used effectively. It is user friendly and requires little knowledge of optimization. Results based on real data from a pharmaceuticals company in India demonstrate significant potential for improvements in revenues and profits.