Cost optimization of heterogeneous auditors allocation in certification body

Auditor allocation plays a key role in a certification body to help minimize labor cost while satisfying client´s demands. Different from traditional assignment problem that one agent is assigning to perform one or more tasks, auditor allocation needs to consider industrial features, such as auditor´s qualifications, availability, and requirements of rules and standards. In this study, we propose an auditor assignment model to address the aforesaid features. The model is a multiple dimensional assignment problem. We verified the proposed model using the data obtained from a joint-venture accreditation company in China. The findings of this study help guide certification practitioners to follow a logic way to improve productivity and efficiencies of tasks assignment. Thus the proposed model is both theoretically meaningful and practically useful.