ENHANCING OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY IN COAL ENTERPRISES THROUGH CAPACITY LAYOUT OPTIMISATION: A COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS

Abstract

In particular, this work explores the effectiveness of capacity layout optimisation on workflows and organizational performance for coal enterprises through reliance on advanced technologies such as GIS, Lean Six Sigma, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Big Data, filling in those gaps in prior studies by using software from AnyLogic to develop computational models and conduct simulations. It analyses the critical parameters of processing time, throughput rates, resource utilization, queue lengths, and idle times to determine operational efficiency and employee satisfaction. The case studies of Mt Arthur Coal and Shendong Coal Mine are discussed to exemplify practical applications and corresponding effects that layout optimisation decisions may have on workforce dynamics and operational performance. Key findings highlight the fact that optimized layouts achieved a 15-20% reduction in cost, 10% improvement in resource utilization and 20% improvement in job satisfaction. Thus, these developments suggest that advance modelling techniques open avenues for using coal industry business processes to design improvements that promote cost-effective improvement in efficiency through employee-centric modifications. This research is a contribution to the growing knowledge base on the optimisation of capacity layout and, therefore, contributes to actionable insights for enhancing the operational efficiency and employee well-being of coal enterprises.