Activity-based optimization of cooperative development processes in chemical engineering

Unused potentials of cooperative development work are proven to lie mainly in the sub-optimal communication, cooperation and coordination of the actors. Various methods and tools, from project modeling to the workflow management system, are used to develop these potentials. Decisive influencing parameters of cooperative development processes are hardly considered in these approaches. Thus, the IAW is pursuing an activity-centered approach in which, based on a participatory constructed task net, important influencing parameters are transferred into a time-extended higher Petri net. Mathematical relationships illustrate the interaction of these influencing parameters. These parameters include - aside from obligatory measures, such as number of people, task dependencies or related tools - special influencing parameters such as information integration and the qualification of people. The software presented in the following includes, for example, specific human resource allocation through forecasted personnel utilization, existing competencies and organizational structures, reduction of waiting times through improvement of information flow and the increase in tool utilization. Beside the use for project planning, the article illustrates the function and relation of the individual Petri nets via a short example. The article also demonstrates the relevance and interaction of the individual influencing parameters considered in the simulation through a sensitivity analysis.