Introduction of a new flexible human resources planning system based on digital twin approach: a case study

Abstract

Digital twin technology has become one of the key directions of intelligent manufacturing with a strong relationship to product lifecycle management. It contributes to increasing efficiency and flexibility in solving highly complex problems in constantly changing conditions. However, many circumstances make the real implementation of effective scenarios generated by simulation software tools difficult. One of them are rigid working schedules that complicate flexible human resources planning in accordance with optimal production and logistics plans. This article aims to examine the role of the digital factory twin in advanced human resources planning. Using the case study method, a solution for better coordination of internal logistics processes and utilization of logistics staff based on discrete-event simulation is presented. Several scenarios were tested and results showed the inevitability of using flexible working schedules for maximum utilization of logistics staff. The purpose of this study is not only to show one special case of one company, but to emphasize the potential of these software tools to achieve long-term synergies in coordinating logistics, production and human resources management activities. As a result of this study, an extended physical-digital-physical loop model is presented. This extension consists in adding the second loop including communication with HR portal.

Keywords

• digital factory twin
• discrete event simulation
• flexible work systems
• human resources planning
• internal logistics