Production Scheduling and Customer Orders Assignment in a Three-Level Supply Chain

In the classical production-distribution centers problem, only assignment of customers, distribution centers, and suppliers is determined. This paper extends the problem of production-distribution centers assignment by considering sequencing decisions in the supply network. Nowadays, meeting delivery time of products is a competitive benefit; therefore, the objective is to minimize total tardiness. This problem is mathematically formulated by a mixed integer programming model. Then, using the proposed model, small instances of the problem can be optimally solved by GAMS software. Moreover, two metaheuristics based on variable neighborhood search and simulated annealing are proposed to solve large instances of the problem. Finally, performance of the proposed metaheuristics is evaluated by two sets of balanced and unbalanced instances. The computational results show the superiority of the variable neighborhood search algorithm.

A Dynamic Genetic Algorithm for Solving a Single Machine Scheduling Problem with Periodic Maintenance

The scheduling problem with nonresumable jobs and maintenance process is considered in order to minimize the makespan under two alternative strategies. The first strategy is to implement the maintenance process on the machine after a predetermined time period and the second one is to consider the maximum number of jobs that can be done with an especial tool. We propose a new mathematical formulation for the aforementioned problem which is included in the NP-Hard class of problems; in the second part of the paper, we propose a dynamic genetic algorithm so that the large- and medium-scale problems could be solvable in computationally reasonable time. Also we compare the performance of the proposed algorithm with existing methods in the literature. Experimental results showed that the proposed genetic algorithm is able to attain optimum solutions in most cases and also corroborate its better performance from the existing heuristic methods in the literature.

Methodology for User-Centered Innovation in Industrial Living Lab

In the last years the Living Labs (LLs) approach is becoming really important to test new products/services in real-life settings. Following the perspective of user-centered innovation emerged by the critical review of the existing international LLs’ methodologies, this paper describes how, in the Living Lab related to KHIRA research project, research activities and innovation are integrated, according to a public-private-person partnership (PPPP), to develop innovation processes, participated and user-centered, in the industrial sector. The LL related to KHIRA research project involves several users categories: industrial partners, universities and research centers, SMEs belonging to Apulian manufacturing industry, public administrations, and other users. A heterogeneous users’ community can produce new ideas of products and services oriented to solve real industrial problems as those related to the product life-cycle management (PLM) in complex manufacturing environments. Purpose of this study is to present a methodology that can be used in the industrial LLs aimed at developing new products/services in complex environments, bridging the existing gap between the LLs’ activities management and those aimed to develop user-centered innovation.

The Study of Cooling Process on Runout Table by Simulation Method

This research aims to achieving the effective cooling parameter on the runout table (ROT) of strip steel in hot rolling process. The 2-dimensional transient heat conduction is developed including the external force convection and heat source due to translational motion. The material property, boundary, and initial condition are defined and bounded to model geometry. The strip velocity, cooling water temperature, and external fluid velocity are chosen for the influent parameters during cooling process at ROT. To find the optimality of cooling operating requirement, simulation study is conducted throughout this research. To reach the objective of optimal cooling consumption at ROT, temperature distribution in the strip steel during cooling governs by the form of heat transfer equation. To solve 2-dimensional transient heat conduction by numerical methods, the backward difference formula (BDF) applies to discretization of partial differentiation equation (PDE). The parallel sparse direct linear solver (PARDISO) and conjugate gradients method are comparatively applied to computation in linear algebraic equation. The simulation studies are divided into 12 case studies with three variations subjected to cooling conditions at ROT. From simulation results, the range of such three variations can be identified in relation to economic cooling system and desired quality of products.

Analysis of Technology Effectiveness of Lean Manufacturing Using System Dynamics

In today’s competitive environment, organizations are seeking to improve their position in the market. Lean manufacturing is an effective tool for elevating the competitiveness of organizations based on the fact that each can find its own way of improvement. Technology improvement is considered to be one of lean manufacturing’s dimensions. Technology is defined as the usage and knowledge of tools, techniques, crafts, systems, or methods of organization, with the aim of solving a problem or creating an artistic perspective. A dynamic model could be appropriate for analyzing the interrelated behavior of technology and lean manufacturing. Despite the fact that there are plenty of papers and case studies on the applications of Lean manufacturing in organizations, only a few are focused on the dynamic aspects of the system. In this paper, a dynamic model is presented in which Lean manufacturing is linked with technology by causal relationships. The notable advantage of the presented model is the ability to alter a parameter to find how it affects others parameters by considering key results. Thus, it is reasonable to expect that the results of such analysis could somewhat improve the efficiency of technology improvement on Lean manufacturing.

Soybean Curd Residue: Composition, Utilization, and Related Limiting Factors

The production of soybean products has been increasing throughout the world, and there has been a corresponding increase in the quantity of soybean curd residue (SCR) being thrown out. The dumping of SCR has become a problem to be solved due to its contamination to the environment. SCR is rich in fiber, fat, protein, vitamins, and trace elements. It has potential for value-added processing and utilization; options that simultaneously hold the promise of increased economic benefit as well as decreased pollution potential for the environment. The objective of this study is to fully investigate, review, and summarize the existing literature in order to develop a comprehensive knowledge base for the composition and reuse of SCR. It is evident from the literature survey that SCR shows good potential as a functional food material. However, there are several drawbacks to the use of SCR and corresponding solutions presented in this paper.

Early Stakeholder Involvement in the Project Definition Phase: Case Renovation

Relational project delivery methods (RPDMs) have been widely offered as a solution to increasing holistic project value creation. Furthermore, early stakeholder involvement has been emphasized as one of the cornerstones of RPDM. The purpose of this paper is to examine who the stakeholders are that should be involved early in the project definition phase. This paper discusses the process and nature of the project definition phase in RPDM, with the main focus on early stakeholder involvement. The results are derived from the analysis of the literature and an empirical study (interviews). The stakeholders, their roles in the renovation project, and at which stage they should each be involved in the project definition process are determined. The findings show that projects cover different levels of stakeholders, whose requirements and purposes must be considered and managed. Early involvement allows room for creative solutions and the intensive exchange of ideas. Thus, it leads to procedures that run in phases, which in turn change the project’s value creation to holistic value cocreation. This article facilitates and contributes to early stakeholder involvement and the creation of integrated teams by identifying and consolidating the different levels, roles, responsibilities, and objectives of the stakeholders.

A User-Oriented Design Knowledge Reuse Model

To promote the level of reusing the accumulated design knowledge in the company, we intend to develop a knowledge reuse model in this paper. First, the design knowledge is discussed, and a unified design knowledge model is proposed. Following that, we identify three design knowledge reuse patterns which contribute to the understanding of how designers reuse knowledge during the design process. Based on that, we propose a design knowledge reuse model. This model can provide design knowledge according to the design knowledge reuse patterns. The model also provides the ability to update itself according to the captured actions of the knowledge users. At last, the method is validated with a research cooperator on the hydropneumatic spring component.

Defining Product Lifecycle Management: A Journey across Features, Definitions, and Concepts

Product lifecycle management (PLM) has become more important in companies providing technologies and methodologies to manage data, information, and knowledge along the whole product lifecycle. In recent years, several authors have argued about PLM using a managerial or a technological view. The paper analyses these studies and integrates different author's points of view using focus groups, blogs, and face-to-face meetings in a university community of practice. Three sets of features (i.e., managerial, technological, and collaborative ones) have been used to review the existing definitions shared between academic and industrial ones and to propose an extended PLM definition describing its key concepts. The paper is a useful reference for managers and academics who want to have a clear and critical understanding of PLM using a unique source to collect lines of evidence on several PLM definitions, features, and concepts.

Practical Applications of Taguchi Method for Optimization of Processing Parameters for Plastic Injection Moulding: A Retrospective Review

Determining the optimal processing parameter is routinely performed in the plastic injection moulding industry as it has a direct and dramatic influence on product quality and costs. In this volatile and fiercely competitive market, traditional trial-and-error is no longer sufficient to meet the challenges of globalization. This paper aims to review the research of the practical use of Taguchi method in the optimization of processing parameters for injection moulding. Taguchi method has been employed with great success in experimental designs for problems with multiple parameters due to its practicality and robustness. However, it is realized that there is no single technique that appears to be superior in solving different kinds of problem. Improvements are to be expected by integrating the practical use of the Taguchi method into other optimization approaches to enhance the efficiency of the optimization process. The review will shed light on the standalone Taguchi method and integration of Taguchi method with various approaches including numerical simulation, grey relational analysis (GRA), principal component analysis (PCA), artificial neural network (ANN), and genetic algorithm (GA). All the features, advantages, and connection of the Taguchi-based optimization approaches are discussed.