Delivering clarity, precision and insight

INSIGHT

“Large airlines are among the biggest users of sophisticated business models. They have to juggle a multitude of different fare structures and handle tricky things like stand-by tickets. Modelling such variables saves them millions of dollars a year.”

The Economist

CASE STUDIES

Each Nativas Business Modelling project is tailored to the clients needs and diverse parameters of business. Here we present two current case studies.

2. Navitas’ Shutdown Strategy Tool

NAVITAS’ SHUTDOWN STRATEGY TOOL

Developed for an iron-ore resources company, the Shutdown Strategy Tool created a definitive platform to plan highly efficient periodic maintenance shutdowns across various iron-ore transportation lines.

The Shutdown Strategy Tool greatly enhanced the business’ ability to plan in a fully interactive and flexible environment on a large, intricate operational scale.

Results

  1. Significant increase in the team’s strategic planning operational output
  2. Thorough understanding of equipment needs for subsequent years
  3. Streamlined proficiencies – gave client time and resources to thoroughly source and screen shop vendors for best pricing; a major financial benefit
  4. Clarity of minimum maintenance staff levels needed for optimal operational proficiency
  5. Increased retention and improved performance
  6. Sharper grasp on their cash flow allocations

Most importantly, Navitas concluded that, if maintained and executed appropriately, the developed Shutdown Strategy Tool can not only help the participating business, but also other similarly operating organisations hoping to produce similar ROI with longterm results.

OUR APPROACH

Clarity – Briefing/Scoping
The client operates a number of iron-ore transportation lines that required periodic shutdowns for maintenance purposes. Each line (broken into various assets/components) requires maintenance to avoid operational and procedural breakdowns. The scope was to create a tool where head office could create an annualised schedule using a complex set of variables that would enable them to plan staff levels.

Precision – Mapping/Modelling
Challenges included developing and populating the model framework to test various scenarios and strategies, creating an original planning tool that would span 12 months as well as calculating inputs and outputs for easily accessible data throughout the case. Most importantly, maintaining consistent staffing levels to service the required equipment was the top priority.

Insight – Feedback/Adjustment/Testing
The model contained scheduling input requirements for each line – i.e. how often each line is to serviced and it’s offset to start. Each line required a different mix of maintenance staff depending on which maintenance service is scheduled, this was also a key input. The result, which yielded great clarity was to provide a graphical output showing 500+ staff level requirements. The interactive design allowed managers to run different strategies and instantly see the impact on staff levels. By achieving smooth staffing schedules, the business was able to retain staff and therefore quality within the process. The impact to the overall business was significant.