Real-Time Resource Planning System for Hangar Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operations support systems are ineffective in planning for future resource management, particularly in aviation and MRO environments, leading to difficulties in managing hangar capacity, resource availability, and scheduling maintenance activities effectively.
Innovation Solution
A centralized, real-time management system that provides up-to-date information on hangar utilization and planned projects, allowing users to view capacity across multiple locations and time frames, account for resource types, and simulate 'what if' scenarios for scheduling changes without committing them to the main database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized real-time management system is implemented to track all resources and schedules, then the accuracy of resource allocation and prevention of overbooking is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments resources into distinct categories (hangar slots, aircraft types, resource types) and maintains separate tracking mechanisms for each. The resource planning system operates independently from scheduling systems, with clear interfaces between them. This segmentation allows complex resource management to be broken down into manageable components that can be tracked and controlled individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a resource planning system as an intermediary layer between customer quote requests and final schedule commitments. This intermediary tracks all resources and schedules in real-time, providing accurate information to sales teams without requiring them to manually coordinate with multiple systems. The intermediary handles the complexity of resource tracking while presenting simplified interfaces to users.
2Reliability
If the system tracks detailed information about all resources and schedules in real-time, then the reliability of decision-making is improved, but the loss of time in data processing and system response increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary tracking and validation of resource availability before final schedule commitments are made. Resource plans are updated in real-time as quotes are received and schedules are confirmed, so that when decision-making is needed, the information is already prepared and accurate. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming data gathering during decision-making processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to users about resource availability and schedule status through real-time updates. When resources are booked or schedules change, the system automatically updates the resource plan and notifies relevant users. This feedback mechanism ensures that decision-making is based on current information without requiring manual verification or time-consuming data processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system provides flexible scheduling options and allows users to experiment with changes, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring system performance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the resource plan that can be experimented with without affecting the actual committed schedule. Users can simulate 'what if' scenarios by creating alternative schedules in the resource plan, and the system tracks these as hypothetical scenarios. This copying mechanism allows flexible experimentation while maintaining clear separation between experimental plans and actual committed schedules, making performance measurement straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains a dynamic resource plan that can be adjusted in real-time based on incoming quotes and schedule changes. The plan dynamically updates to reflect current availability and constraints, while maintaining a clear distinction between tentative plans and confirmed schedules. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to changing conditions without compromising the ability to measure and track actual performance against committed commitments.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is generally related to operations support systems and more specifically, to a method of and system for managing and planning future use of resources. One embodiment of the invention comprises an operations support system which displays multiple visits across a timeline, each visits being associated with a set of resource requirements. The system tabulates, in real-time, the total level of resources required for all of the visits, for each given day, comparing these totals against nominal available resource levels. If there is a shortfall, the system displays a number associated with the short-fall, such as the number of additional technicians that would be required. This provides the user with feedback so he/she can amend visits and tasks within visits to resolve short-falls in resources.