Simulating snowplow operations and gaining insight into the management process

This paper discusses the process of building a simulation based decision support system for assisting with snowplow operations in northeastern Minnesota. The project has evolved over three years and included the Minnesota Department of Transportation as a partner. Managerial support was critical to the success of this project, and the long time line and the use of undergraduate and graduate students created challenges in maintaining interest and consistent goals throughout this project. This paper discusses the process and the challenges, presents guidelines, and concludes with a discussion of success and benefits of this system as well as its limitations.