Hustle and Flow: An approach to advanced analytics and proper production planning in bioresources
Oosthuizen, S.1, Cotterill, M.2, Riches, S.2, 1Business Modelling Associates UK, 2Anglian Water, UK
(free)
Traditional biosolids process management has in the past lead to the outcome that certain processes
and products in the value chain have been managed as independent business functions. This
separation of a single product stream into different operational streams creates barriers to efficiencies
in the value chain.
Anglian Water has determined, with assistance from Business Modelling Associates’ advanced
planning and decision support system, which holistically evaluates AW’s biosolids operations, that
opportunity exists in integrating its biosolids product stream. Products considered by the system
include but are not limited to sludge, phosphates, energy and final product disposed to land. Previous
strategic modelling activities have identified opportunities for efficiency savings within operational
activities. Together we have created a tool that takes a unified view of the biosolids process and
management stream. The complexity and the number of variables that exist within this value chain
requires advanced technological support to make more efficient and better decisions.
The system makes recommendations to Anglian Water for the most optimal operational decisions that
can be made across the biosolids value chain – from water recycling centres through to biosolids
disposal post treatment. These decisions support the most cost-effective way to meeting regulatory
obligations and customer requirements, planning on a weekly basis.
This paper outlines the components and methodology that was used in the project. It focuses on the
design, scope and implementation area of the Production Planning platform within Anglian Water’s
bioresource organisation.
