An Optimization Framework for a Dynamic Multi-Skill Workforce Scheduling and Routing Problem with Time Windows and Synchronization Constraints

TL;DR

This paper presents a real-time optimization framework for dynamic multi-skill workforce scheduling and routing with time windows and synchronization constraints, specifically designed for on-demand home services, using a mathematical model and ALNS algorithm.

Contribution

It introduces a novel real-time reoptimization framework with a mathematical model and ALNS algorithm for dynamic workforce scheduling with synchronization constraints.

Findings

ALNS-based reoptimization improves route efficiency

Reoptimization strategies significantly impact performance

Frozen period length affects scheduling adaptability

Abstract

This article addresses the dynamic multi-skill workforce scheduling and routing problem with time windows and synchronization constraints (DWSRP-TW-SC) inherent in the on-demand home services sector. In this problem, new service requests (tasks) emerge in real-time, necessitating a constant reevaluation of service team task plans. This reevaluation involves maintaining a portion of the plan unaltered, ensuring team-task compatibility, addressing task priorities, and managing synchronization when task demands exceed a team's capabilities. To address the problem, we introduce a real-time optimization framework triggered upon the arrival of new tasks or the elapse of a set time. This framework redesigns the routes of teams with the goal of minimizing the cumulative weighted throughput time for all tasks. For the route redesign phase of this framework, we develop both a mathematical model and an Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search (ALNS) algorithm. We conduct a comprehensive computational study to assess the performance of our proposed ALNS-based reoptimization framework and to examine the impact of reoptimization strategies, frozen period lengths, and varying degrees of dynamism. Our contributions provide practical insights and solutions for effective dynamic workforce management in on-demand home services.