Operational research (OR) is the discipline of applying appropriate analytical methods to help make better operational decisions with less risk.

OR provides a range of mathematical techniques that allows a business to:

• See through complexity to identify issues and opportunities,
• Enhance subjective judgment with fact-based analysis,
• Analyse current states and future designs to develop benefits and understand any linked risks,
• Accurately match capacity to demand whilst predicting service levels,
• Underpin business decisions with independent analysis and scrutiny – very useful for capital intensive or business critical projects.

To achieve these results, OEE applies a range of analytical technologies, including:

Simulation modelling – which provides the ability to try out operational designs and test ideas for improvement.  Examples applications:  resourcing telephony operations, capacity analysis of transactional print and mail sites,  reducing queues at retail counters, designing the processes for new manufacturing facilities.

Optimisation – selecting the most beneficial choice from a large number of feasible options.  Examples applications:  optimising network design, setting optimal shift patters or individual rosters, combining processes together to level demand.

Probability and Statistics  – measuring risk and results at specific confidence intervals, mine data to find valuable connections, test conclusions, and make reliable forecasts.  Examples applications:  forecasting demand and its variability; predicting SLA performance over a given week; optimum skills profile.