Shift Scheduling with Fuzzy Logic: An Application with an Integer Programming Model

Abstract The shift scheduling, which is one of the most crucial processes in order to increase efficiency and decrease labor costs, is a common phenomenon in both manufacturing and service organizations such as airlines, security services, fire stations, etc. In order to meet changing demand and keep responsiveness and flexibility, the shift scheduling includes the scheduling of manpower by assigning employees to shifts determined by types, length, and the number of breaks. The types of shifts may present variety such as part time and full time shifts. The breaks also show variety like lunch breaks, short rests, and compulsory reasons based on the occupational health and safety or necessities for maintenance. To overwhelm this complexity, this paper recommends an integer programming model integrated with fuzzy logic due to the vagueness inherited to the nature of decision-making process in order to provide flexibility in shift lengths, and lower the total labor costs.