Application of operational research in process optimization in the cement industry

Abstract

One of the largest economic sectors in Brazil is the construction industry, being an important segment for investments in the country. As a result, it is a firmly established sector which has attained a high level of competitiveness. However, given the dynamic approach necessary in a world of accelerated change, the construction industry faces a wide range of challenges which must be addressed so to maintain, and if possible, improve its competitiveness. This study aims to determine how to maximize the profit of a construction company located in Curitiba, Paraná state, applying techniques of Operations Research, an analytical method of problem-solving and decision-making. The tool used to perform the optimization was Linear Programming, a mathematical modeling technique in which a linear function is maximized or minimized when subjected to various constraints. The results show a strong possibility of increasing the company’s profit by production leveling.