Jordan Rogers

PhD Candidate

BE (Chem.) Hons. (Adelaide)

Location: Room A211 Engineering North Annex
Email: jordan.rogers@adelaide.edu.au
Phone: +61 8 8303 3093
FAX: +61 8 8303 4373

Supervisors

Associate Professor Brian O'Neill, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide
Mr Mark Gishen
Mr Stephen Clarke

Research Topic

Optimisation of winery scheduling and resource allocation

Research Abstract

The Australian wine industry is facing growing competition from its international rivals. To maintain its strong growth and profits the industry must become more efficient. There is an increasing focus on winery production scheduling as a key area where enhanced efficiencies and better vertical integration can be achieved.

Presently, the scheduling task is normally performed manually by experienced personnel aided by simple computer tools (eg. spreadsheets, generic databases). Decisions are made by considering the availability of key limiting equipment items and the priority and quality of available grapes. Available grapes are determined through grower / vineyard liaisons. Recently the industry has begun to develop purpose built software to assist in the planning of winery production activities. While these tools may aid in the planning process, scheduling decisions must still be made manually. Other process industries (eg. petroleum, pharmaceuticals) have faced similar problems and have developed reliable and efficient software to automate production scheduling. The use of mathematical algorithms has lead to optimal schedules, providing increased efficiencies and hence profits.

This project aims to develop software to automate winery scheduling. This will involve reviewing current industry practise and the techniques used by other similar industries. A model of winery operations will be developed for use in formulating and solving the scheduling problem using a range of mathematical algorithms. Finally, the chosen algorithm will be implemented into a computer program.

Interests

• Winemaking
• Process Simulation and Control

Recent Publications