Our research supports optimal use of limited resources – like rental vehicles.

Business decision tools

CSIRO's Business Decision Tools team uses its operations research, statistical and mathematical modelling methods expertise to help customers achieve efficient utilisation of limited resources.

• 7 November 2007 | Updated 14 October 2011

• Summary
• Examples of our research and services 
• Commercial opportunities

Summary

CSIRO’s Business Decision Tools team has particular strengths in:

• rostering
• scheduling
• simulation
• statistical and mathematical modelling of industrial processes.

We carry out consultancies for industrial and commercial clients, and for organisations in the public sector.

Benefits to our clients from working with us include:

• increased productivity
• optimal use of infrastructure and equipment
• more efficient and effective operations.

Where appropriate, we deliver computer-based solutions ready to be integrated into our clients' information systems.

Examples of our research and services

Examples of our research and services include:

• Staff rostering: our staff rostering toolkit helps employers to ensure that the right number and type of staff are available at all times, while respecting rostering rules and staff preferences
  
  
• Crew scheduling for the Royal Australian Navy: CSIRO has made substantial contributions to planning a new fleet of patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy and in developing effective scheduling techniques for the boats and their crews
  
  
• Increasing production rates: mathematical modelling by CSIRO was one of several approaches that helped James Hardie to increase production rates for their re-enforced cement building products
  
  
• Statistical services for production processes: we offer research-backed statistical services to manufacturing and production facilities that use multistage batch and continuous production processes
  
  
• Electronic travel planner: our system captures a traveller's preferences, interests and requirements, and builds an itinerary by matching preferences with available travel products.

Commercial opportunities

For the longer term, we are building up a repertoire of software systems that can be applied over a wide range of applications.

We are currently seeking commercial partners to assist us in managing commercial and technical aspects of this development.

Read more about our work in Advanced Decision SupportAdvanced Decision SupportAdvanced Decision Support.