PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Manual or Computer Rostering - Which is it to be?
Old 11th February 2000 | 23:52
  #10 (permalink)  
Ganymede
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Speaking as one of those sad people who designs crew and aircraft roster management systems for a living, it really does depend on the size of your operation.

I suggest that you look very carefully at WHAT you want a computer based system to do first, and THEN look at which one - there are SO MANY proprietary (is that spelt right?) systems out there - llok at AIMS and the offerings from Lufthansa Systems for example.

What I mean by 'What do I want it to do?' is -

Do I want it to do the leg work for me and leave me the fun stuff to work out myself?

Do I want it to do EVERYTHING for me, leavng me with no scope for creativity?

Do I want it simply to find AN answer - not necessarily the best - which = cheaper and faster but not as bright...

Do I want it to find an answer and then optimise that answer = expensive and potentially slow?

Do I want to fit it into an existing portfolio?

Have a think about these before you go looking seriously and you may have a better yardstick by which to measure your product.

Also, look at constraint logic engines like ILOG Solver if you are thinking of tackling building a small constraint logic allocator in house (yeah, I know, out of most smaller operators leagues, but what the hellll.... Live a little)

May the winds carry you home safe..