Patent ID: 7020619
Filing Date: 2006-03-28
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method of analyzing and optimizing a workload schedule for a complex process with respect to resources available therefor, said method comprising the following steps, at least one of the steps being computer-executed: identifying a plurality of projects comprising the complex process, each project having a start date and a cycle time and Further comprising at least one task; determining a hands-on work time required far each task, the tasks including a task requiring a greatest hands-an work time; determining an effort equivalence for each task by normalizing each task hands-on work time with respect to the task hands-on work time of the task requiring the greatest hands-on work time; defining a calendar having intervals; arranging the projects according to the start date and the cycle time and with respect to the calendar such that each task is at least partially performed in one of the intervals; determining an effort equivalence apportionment for the intervals corresponding to the tasks at least partially performed in respective intervals; determining a total effort equivalence for each interval corresponding to the sum of the effort equivalence apportionment for the tasks at least partially performed in that interval; comparing the total effort equivalence for each interval to a historical maximum effort equivalence volume so as to evaluate the workload schedule with respect to the available resources; and modifying the projects, where the total effort equivalence for an interval exceeds the historical maximum effort equivalence volume, so as to reapportion the total effort equivalences such that the total effort equivalence for each interval is no greater than the historical maximum effort equivalence volume, and thereby providing a relatively more efficient utilization of the available resources with respect to the workload schedule.