Toward sustainable operations: Integrating utility management into short-term scheduling in the phosphate industry

Abstract

This study presents an enhanced short-term scheduling model for supply chains, emphasizing sustainability through the integration of key utilities, which we define as steam, energy, and water. However, in the current phase of our research, we specifically concentrate on steam as a primary utility due to its critical role in the phosphate industry, particularly within the operations of the OCP Group, a leader in phosphate extraction and fertilizer production. By employing a simulation model that integrates steam, we aim to align daily operational decisions with broader sustainability objectives, establishing a foundation for the eventual inclusion of the other defined utilities. This study employs a comparative analysis of a traditional scheduling model and an innovative utility-based model. By simulating real-world operational scenarios, this research demonstrates how the utility-based model substantially improves resource utilization and reduces operational downtime compared with conventional practices. The findings reveal that integrating steam into scheduling not only supports the OCP Group's immediate operational goals but also aligns with broader sustainability objectives by minimizing resource waste and enhancing efficiency. These results underscore the critical role of utility management in supply chain scheduling and its potential to contribute to the industry's long-term sustainability efforts.