Communicating Optimization Results Drake Bailey and Daniel Skempton Authors: Dr. Edgar Blanco Advisor: Semiconductor Company Sponsor: MIT SCM ResearchFest May 22-23, 2013
Introduction and Objectives Introduction Global supply chain Developed optimization solver internally Decentralized planners and centralized experts Version updates every 18-24 months Research Objectives Communication methods Visualization approaches New areas for improvement 2
Optimization Model Potential Uses Complexity Model Scope B R Adoption Desertion Perceived Business utility of the Usability value created tool
Survey of Solver Users 38 surveys sent, 26 completed Initial entry to senior level planners 21 questions; 7 sections Background (2) Understanding Company X’s supply chain (2) Training and Experience (4) Complexity (4) Effectiveness (4) Visualization (2) Open comment (3) 4
Training and Experience Please rate the following questions on Training and Experience: 18 N/A strongly agree agree neither disagree nor agree 16 65.4 % disagree strongly disagree 14 12 46.2 % 10 42.3 % 38.5 % 38.5 % 8 6 4 15.4 % 2 0 0 7.7 % 7.7 % 7.7 % 7.7 % 7.7 % 3.8 % 3.8 % 3.8 % 3.8 % 0 The training I have had on Additional training about Additional experience with the Solver was adequate. the Solver would be the Solver would be helpful. helpful. 5
Visualization Please rate the following questions on Visualization: N/A strongly agree 12 agree neither disagree nor agree disagree strongly disagree 10 . 38.5% . 34.6% 8 30.8% 30.8% 30.8% . 26.9% 6 4 2 0 3.8 % 3.8% 0 The Solver displays only necessary The outputs/results of the Solver are information for my role as a planner. not displayed effectively.
Challenges with the Solver? (Open Comments) 24 Responses “ Being able to explain why the solver gave Complexity (9) certain results vs. the expected results” “ Updated training materials ” Training and Experience (5) “ lack of training ” Visualization (3) “GUI is hard to read” Effectiveness (2) “some reports show massive amount of data that is not relevant” Other (5) “Lack of Excel functionality for input reports (copy/paste)” 7
Data Visualization To convey information through graphical representations of data The understanding of, support for, and communication around the Solver is very high; Current processes should stay in effect with only minor changes. Initial and version-update user training should be robust and application-oriented MIT SCM ResearchFest 8 May 22-23, 2013
…not just a software tool “clutter & confusion are not attributes of information, they are failures of design” E. Tufte The understanding of, support for, and communication around the Solver is very high; Current processes should stay in effect with only minor changes. Initial and version-update user training should be robust and application-oriented 9
…but software can help The understanding of, support for, and communication around the Solver is very high; Current processes should stay in effect with only minor changes. Initial and version-update user training should be robust and application-oriented 10
…supply chain visualization The understanding of, support for, and communication around the Solver is very high; Current processes should stay in effect with only minor changes. Initial and version-update user training should be robust and application-oriented MIT SCM ResearchFest 11 May 22-23, 2013
…illustrating patterns The understanding of, support for, and communication around the Solver is very high; Current processes should stay in effect with only minor changes. Initial and version-update user training should be robust and application-oriented MIT SCM ResearchFest 12 May 22-23, 2013
…a world of possibilities The understanding of, support for, and communication around the Solver is very high; Current processes should stay in effect with only minor changes. Initial and version-update user training should be robust and application-oriented MIT SCM ResearchFest 13 May 22-23, 2013
Key Insights The understanding of, support for, and communication around the Solver was better than expected . Initial and version-update user training should be robust and application-oriented. Innovative data visualization techniques may help increase understanding and lead to better communication. 14
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