An electrical distributor needed to know the economics of their network at a low, geographic level. This analysis enabled fast response to emergencies and help build business cases for innovations such as stand alone power systems. By consulting with each business unit to understand their main drivers, Dr. Cramer was able to distribute every dollar of revenue, costs and assets down to network segments. For dollars that were associated with a tight geographic location, such as physical assets, the distribution was exact. For dollars associated with a more diffuse allocation, such as maintenance costs, distribution took into account measures such as kilometres of conductor or usage.

Built a web tool, taking live data of logistics operations and providing an optimised loading schedule. By solving in real time (< 1 sec) the tool could be used interactively to apply constraints and determine the effects on the resulting schedule. The scheduling tool applied clear and equitable rules for prioritising cargo ensuring fair use of facilities between stakeholders. The tool enabled a transition of scheduling method giving a more efficient, equitable, and smooth process.

Having identified that the autonomous storage system at a warehouses was under performing, we were brought in to explore the causes and possible solutions of the observed deficit. The site was complex, storing a wide range of SKUs in many last-in first-out stacks and utilising autonomous vehicles to store and retrieve products. While creating a dynamic simulation of the site, misunderstandings of the site’s dynamics were identified and resolved, aligning all stakeholders’ understanding of the dynamic drivers of the operation. From this, interventions were proposed and tested.

A team of analysts were using remote desktop software to manage the execution of large simulations. Looking to expand capacity Dr. Cramer built a tool for the team managing the execution of batch computational jobs. Combining multiple on-site servers and cloud infrastructure and accessed from a web interface the system has enabled types of experimentation and testing which were impossible previously. The system has been running for 3 years without major unplanned downtime and has been expanded to multiple teams.

We’ve found one of the best methods for training junior analysts is to work alongside them on real projects. This project had the dual goals of determining how the shipping infrastructure downstream of a mine would impact the wider system, while also training the client’s personnel. The junior analysts worked alongside Dr. Cramer and were given insight into best practices when simulating port operations, with coaching and reviews to ensure the results were both useful and dependable. At the same time the client was able to understand the throughput characteristics of the new infrastructure to make a go/no-go decision on the capital expenditure.

Built a simulation forecasting required assets under a changing demand environment. This miner was concerned with their dependence on a single large customer consuming highly corrosive by-products from their refinery and their ability to handle its distribution if required to diversify their customer base. The simulation forecasted the new logistical assets required which would take several years to acquire. By quantifying this contingency, the client was able to order respond to the risk.