Client
A leading global maritime engineering corporation specializing in specialized shipbuilding projects, operating in the Netherlands with approximately 2,500 employees.
Industry
Maritime Engineering
Service
Strategic Workforce Planning, Big Data Analytics, Research and Development
Tech
Python, Excel
Challenge
The client sought to enhance their existing method for forecasting the quantity and timing of specific engineering skillsets required during the design phase of a ship. This design phase typically spans 1.5 years and involves between 50,000 and 150,000 manhours. The improved forecasting model needed to provide long-term visibility into the demand and supply of critical engineering capabilities, enabling the client to plan effectively for future needs. Additionally, the solution had to integrate seamlessly with the existing master schedule to identify potential under- or over-capacity scenarios, ensuring optimal resource allocation throughout the project lifecycle.
We took on the
following challenges:
- Obtain, analyze and process different historical data sources to develop a usable historical dataset
- Analyze the different project variables to define drivers that affect necessary engineering time
- Develop mathematical models containing precise forecasting equations that quantify necessary man-hours for 15 specialized engineering teams
- Develop a method to project the spending of forecasted man-hours over a forecasted period of time
- Analyze and design seamless integration with the current master planning software
Solution
Data-Driven Forecasting
Implemented mathematical models based on historical data to generate accurate workforce predictions for the project timeline.
Custom Analytics per Department
Developed specialized calculation frameworks to skill-specific forecasting, based on latest and most effective mathematical methods.
Interactive Planning Tool
Created an Excel-based forecasting tool that integrates seamlessly with existing processes, while providing intuitive user interface.
Impact
Insight into process success
Creation of the ability to grant or deny applications based on data.
Strategic Planning
Enhancing long-term workforce planning capabilities, enabling strategic decision-making.
Planning efficiency
Reducing planning time while significantly improving the quality and reliability of resource forecasts.