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This paper gives insights on the usability of single priority and multi-criteria dispatching rules for production scheduling based on the results for a German chipboard manufacturing plant. A discrete-event simulation of the manufacturing process has been modeled to compare different priority rules with an expert-based sequence for a real set of jobs. The simulation results show that using one single or multi criteria priority dispatching rule on the total production system basically leads to a poor performance, whereas using different rules for each machine will enhance the overall performance. Higher performance can be achieved by the expert based scheduling and individual multi criteria dispatching rules. Hence, a dynamic modification of the production schedule by switching the dispatching rules according to the current performance is proposed, considering unforeseen disturbances.
Purpose: Due to the large number of intermediaries in logistics networks there is avariety of possible failures, frictions and waste of time and money among the logisticsprocess chain. With the ability to provide data securely in near real-time, liketrack and tracing data of goods to every participant, the Blockchain-Technology(BCT) can help to solve these problems. Methodology: A structured literature analysis has been executed by using the databasesWeb of Science and Science Direct to find out current intermediary´s functionsand real use cases. In addition, available other sources, like manufacturer websites,blog entries or whitepapers are searched for specific blockchain-based applicationsinvented and used by German companies. The identified use cases are then qualitativelyanalyzed. Findings: The first results showed that most of the business cases are still in the conceptphase or are merely ideas how the BCT could solve existing problems. Additionally,we got results on the distribution of applications and economic benefits alongthe logistics chain. Furthermore, important conclusions on implementation problemscan be derived from this. Originality: In order to maintain Germany´s top economic position, it is necessaryto push ahead with the adaption of the BCT. Our analysis contains first results in thearea of real blockchain use cases of German companies. Initial comparisons betweencurrently used and blockchain-based logistics networks are also possible.
Blockchain is a leading-edge technology that has received great public attention in the past few years. Due to its eccentric features i.e. transparency, immutability and decentralization, blockchain intends to targets any domain that deals with transactional data. In production sectors, significant efforts are in progress to make use of this disruptive technology for efficient collaboration among stakeholders and management of their products lifecycles. However, despite positive feedback and great aspiration, certain challenges still exist over which the executive level management has great concern. In this regard, this study tries to highlight and focus on what are the potential challenges in blockchain technology adoption? and provide recommendations for how organization can address those challenges? Initially, we elaborate and classify the potential challenges into two categories i.e. key challenges specific to blockchain adoption in PLM and some further challenges that are generic in nature and applicable to most of the applications of blockchain. The study then scientifically argues for potential directions and solutions to address the key challenges. Afterward, the general-purpose challenges are explored and broken down into four different aspects i.e. technical, organizational, environmental & social, and financial challenges. It is emphasized that both internal and external level decisions are need of the day to address these challenges. Finally, the evolution of a new era i.e. blockchain 5.0, its aims and capabilities to overcome the existing technical concerns has been discussed. Multiple Industrial sectors can follow the recommendation presented in this paper to setup their own secure and full-fledged blockchain-based PLM systems.
In today’s business environment companies are forced to improve transparency as well as accelerate and digitalize all steps of the order management process. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and further information systems have become indispensable to implement an efficient order processing. Scientific papers have already summarized the main problems of these systems. For this paper a survey was carried out showing the suitability of information systems with a focus on ERP systems for decision support in the order management process for a given product delivery strategy. The results show that particularly the support in defining solutions needs to be improved.
Empirical assessment of the future adequacy of value stream mapping in manufacturing industries
(2018)
The digitalization and automation of processes are essential for successful industrial production systems. Real-time positioning data is crucial for intelligent, automated, and quality-assured
production. However, the lack of standardization in current real-time locating systems leads to high costs, inoperability, and limited multi-vendor availability. On the other hand, 5G technology offers in
theory opportunities for high-accuracy positioning beyond mobile communication. Local 5G networks in industrial settings could leverage existing infrastructure for positioning. Although previous research
demonstrates the theoretical capabilities of 5G positioning, practical trials cannot be performed due to hardware still being in early research developmental stages. This research aims to close the gap
between research and industrial use by assessing the technical feasibility of 5G indoor positioning in an automotive production environment. To achieve this, use cases from research and industry are
categorized into different scenarios based on distinct requirements. Representative use cases are analyzed considering system requirements and their feasibility. For this, first the overall concept of 5G
positioning is tested in a research lab, followed by simulations of 5G positioning in an industrial environment. This is performed to determine the technical capability and expected accuracy. The
simulations show that sub-meter accuracies can be achieved when combining 5G positioning with lineof-sight filtering. This study highlights the promising role of 5G as a real-time locating system in
industrial settings. However, further research is needed to evaluate its accuracy and reliability in complex practical scenarios. Real industrial piloting will contribute to the validation and optimization
of 5G positioning systems, facilitating widespread adoption across industries.
Blockchain technology has disrupted traditional business processes and hence gained significant attention and popularity in recent years. Consequently, a number of blockchain-based platforms are available today that offer vast applications across multiple sectors and industries. Implementing these blockchain-based platforms as an alternative to traditional product lifecycle management systems (PLMs) is one of the applications. However, before any platform is adopted, its nature, functionalities, and adaptability need to be clearly defined, evaluated, and verified. In this context, the proposed work explores the available blockchain-based platforms that can be used for the purpose of product lifecycle management. We then apply one of the multi-criteria decision-making techniques, i.e., the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), to select the best possible blockchain-based
platform for PLM. As transaction speed, data privacy, and scalability are our prime concerns in PLM, we only considered the permissioned (private) blockchain platforms as available alternatives in the
final selection process. Results achieved on the basis of considered criteria show that Hyperledger Fabric is the top-ranked among available alternatives to be used for PLM. Furthermore, as blockchain is a new technology, a clear comparison of the available platforms based on the performancebased metrics and key performance indicators is not completely matured and is still in the development stage. However, our proposed approach can be considered an attempt to create a procedure for evaluating blockchain-based platform implementation in any sector.
Im Zuge der zunehmenden Digitalisierung und Vernetzung von Geschäftsprozessen innerhalb und außerhalb des Unternehmens sowie den steigenden Dynamiken im gesamten Auftragsabwicklungsprozess sind die Möglichkeiten und Grenzen klassischer betrieblicher Informationssysteme zur Unterstützung der Entscheidungsträger zu hinterfragen. Neben gängigen Tabellenkalkulationstools setzten Unternehmen bisher verschiedene Informationssysteme ein. Klassische Systeme sind u.a. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) - Systeme, Supply Chain Management (SCM) - Systeme bzw. Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) - Systeme sowie Manufacturing Execution Systeme (MES).
Bisherige Studien konnten bereits verschiedene Probleme gängiger Systeme im Kontext der Implementierung, der Systemleistung, des Systemnutzens und der Interoperabilität aufzeigen. Insbesondere stärker projektorientierte Unternehmen mit kundenindividueller Auftragsfertigung kritisieren die fehlende Anpassungsfähigkeit der Systeme an die veränderten Unternehmensprozesse. Unternehmen setzen daher teilweise auf individuell entwickelte Systeme, um den Problemen entgegen zu wirken.
Zur Untersuchung des Status quo betrieblicher Entscheidungsunterstützungssysteme wurde eine Studie durchgeführt, welche einen aktualisierten Blick auf die Probleme und Anforderungen zur Verbesserung der Systeme ermöglicht. Die Ergebnisse wurden für die einzelnen Systeme und zusätzlich unter Berücksichtigung des im Unternehmen vorliegenden Auftragsabwicklungstyps analysiert. Es zeigt sich, dass insbesondere die Unterstützung bei Problemen und Störungen im Auftragsabwicklungsprozess verbessert werden muss.
To investigate current trends and challenges related to supply chain management in Germany, we conduct an interview-based study involving 16 experts. The study focuses on three areas: supply chain transformations, software challenges, and the adoption of emerging technologies. Supply chain transformations are influenced by increasing supply chain complexity, the growing prevalence of e-commerce, and the increased importance allocated by customers to trust and transparency. Complexity is, in part, due to disruptions caused by policy responses to the pandemic and to software challenges in terms of the adaptability of ERP systems and the cybersecurity of cloud-based solutions. This study is relevant for practitioners, as it sheds light on pressing issues in supply chain management, and for researchers as it uncovers potential topics that require further research in the future.
Der Auftragsabwicklungsprozess ist in produzierenden Unternehmen durch eine erhöhte Komplexität infolge der zunehmenden Variantenvielfalt und der steigenden Anforderungen an individualisierte Produkte gekennzeichnet. Diese Komplexität führt zu Intransparenz bei Entscheidungen im Produktionsvollzug. Weiterhin verursachen verschiedene Prozessdynamiken, z. B. unvorhergesehene Störungen, kurzfristige und unregelmäßige Bestellungen sowie nachträgliche Kundenänderungswünsche Störungen in der Auftragsabwicklung.
Mit der Wertstrommethode lassen sich Produktivität und Effizienz des Produktionssystems steigern. Dies geschieht durch Schaffung von Transparenz und Aufdeckung möglicher Optimierungspotentiale. Die Fallstudie zeigt, wie die Methode systematisch anzuwenden ist und welche Erfolge sich durch sie erzielen lassen. Außerdem wird die Notwendigkeit eines fortwährenden Wertstrommanagements deutlich.
Production control is an essential component of a production system used to monitor and manage production orders. Centrally controlled production systems rely on basic data management, such as storing the bill of materials and required work schedules. Components of customer orders are added to generate the corresponding production orders. However, this type of production control can pose serious problems in case of unforeseen events such as machine failure or changing customer requirements during production. In such scenarios, costly and time-consuming re-scheduling becomes necessary, which endangers the company's competitive position and leads to data retention issues. This paper introduces a new method of production control based on the concept of smart orders. Smart orders use smart contracts for autonomous routing based on programmed information in the source code, enabling self-control through the production system. Smart contracts are transaction programs that work with ‘if-then logic”, allowing for partially flexible process schedules and reducing the need for human intervention. The smart order uses the functionalities of blockchain technology, such as security, transparency, and immutability, to ensure the integrity of production data. The paper concludes by presenting the expected value propositions of smart order-based production control on the production system. Depending on the production control system used, companies can integrate the results presented in this paper into their own blockchain implementation strategy.
Background: SMEs performance and their innovativeness are associated to their participation in innovation networks. Thus, SMEs tend to join clusters aiming to accelerate their process of innovation, catch up with the dynamics of the industry and increase their probability to access external knowledge and resources. Consequently, promoting a collaborative atmosphere by boosting the synergies between cluster managers and SMEs will foment a culture of innovation. Moreover, the inclusion of new technologies, and especially the advent of industry 4.0, is facilitating collaboration, while at the same time accelerating the development of innovation outcomes and setting new challenges for SMEs. This contribution identifies discrepancies between offer (clusters) and demand (SMEs), hindering the creation of a culture of innovation and highlights critical points, where both SMEs and Clusters, may gain from a proper interaction.
Methods: 120 empirical studies analyzing innovation determinants have been evaluated. Based on these determinants and stressing the importance of SMEs participating in collaborative-networked innovation actions, a concept for supporting the creation of a culture of innovation is proposed. This concept is enhanced by exploring potential benefits of industry 4.0 technologies supporting the acquisition, assimilation and transformation of knowledge into innovation. Additionally, in order to gain an insight about the interrelation between clusters and SMEs towards the creation of an innovation culture, an empirical study has been conducted.
Results: The descriptive analysis shows that communication problems and discrepancies between cluster organizations and SMEs are evident. Moreover, the understanding of SMEs on the requirements for building an innovation culture is rather low. Although cluster organizations tend to generate services supporting their members’ innovation processes, a gap between offer and demand is observable among all phases defined in the concept.
Conclusions: we suggest that cluster managers could play a more preponderant role as orchestrators of innovation by adjusting their services to the requirements of each innovation process phase. Moreover, this work highlights inconsistencies between offer (clusters) and demand (SMEs) constraining the creation of a culture of innovation, particularly stressing communication problems. Hence, the integration of innovative communication channels, having the potential to increase the effectiveness of communication strategies between cluster managers and SMEs, are key for facilitating a culture of innovation in organizations, especially in SMEs. In this case, we suggest exploring different elements around the industry 4.0 in order to define the characteristics of such communication channels, particularly those supporting the acquisition, assimilation and transformation of internal and external knowledge into innovation.
Improvements in logistics performance are considered to be a significant driver of economic growth. Digitalization in logistics, which includes enhanced tracking systems, digitized flows of information, artificial intelligence and automation, has further enabled globalized trade. However, Sub-Saharan African (SSA) economies, majorly export-commodity-dependent, still lag behind, grappling with inadequate policy frameworks, huge infrastructure deficits and trade barriers which result in a broken supply chain that negatively impacts growth. This study aims to investigate existing challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, the potentials for the region to leapfrog traditional supply chain practices and adopt digital technologies, by evaluating previous findings in a systematic manner and augmenting these findings through semi-structured interviews. Systematic literature analysis conducted on published academic literature within a specific period and based on predefined criteria resulted in 287 articles being used for the final analysis. The most common logistics challenges and potential solutions have been identified. Semi-structured interviews with logistics service providers in the region have been conducted to establish the findings highlighted in the systematic literature review. The interviews showed that human capital training is a major factor when adopting digital technologies, and a focus on infrastructure investments, regulatory and institutional framework improvements will boost economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Abstract: Background: Several product lifecycle management systems (PLMs) have been implemented in the industrial sector for managing the data of the product from the design up to the disposal or recycling stage. However, these PLMs face certain challenges in managing the complex and decentralized product lifecycles. Methods: To this aim, this work investigates the currently implemented PLMs used in industries through the exploration of various software reviews and selection websites. Accordingly, these existing PLMs are quantitatively compared and analyzed. Results: The analysis shows that most of the existing PLMs do not contain all the required features; therefore, industries integrate different software to create a full-fledged PLM system. However, this practice results in reducing the overall system efficiency. In this context, this paper assesses and recommends a blockchain-based innovative solution that overcomes the challenges of existing PLMs, hence increasing the overall system efficiency. Furthermore, this work argues, in a logical way, that the recommended blockchain-based platform provides a secure and connected infrastructure for data handling, processing, and storage at different stages of the product lifecycle. Conclusions: This work can be considered among the first to compare the currently implemented PLMs with a novel blockchainbased method. Thus, the stakeholders can utilize the outputs of this research in their analysis and
decision-making processes for implementing the blockchain in their organizations.
Numerous challenges in automotive production lead to an increased need for transparency and optimization. Real-Time-Location-Systems (RTLS) is a key tool for achieving this goal. They enable intelligent and automated production processes. Existing solutions such as Ultra-Wideband, Bluetooth-Low-Energy, or Radio-Frequency-Identification have drawbacks in costs, range, or accuracy. 5G is a newly developing standard, recently including high-accuracy positioning. It is unclear, however, if 5G positioning has reached industrial maturity. This contribution aims to determine the state-of-the-art of 5G positioning by performing a systematic literature review and comparing its findings to industrial positioning requirements. 143 articles were analyzed and categorized as: the fundamentals of radio-frequency positioning, an overview of existing solutions, the state-of-the-art, and the maturity of 5G as an industrial positioning system. Results show that, theoretically, centimeter-level accuracies are pursued. However, practical tests are rarely conducted. Concluding, 5G positioning shows great potential, but industrial pilots are required to validate the theoretical characteristics.
Blockchain-Technologie ist die Zukunft im Bereich sicherer Datenspeicherung und -nachverfolgung. Dabei wird diese Technologie schon lange nicht mehr nur bei Kryptowährungen eingesetzt. Viele Unternehmen arbeiten und entwickeln Lösungen, um mit der Blockchain-Technologie Prozessverbesserung in der Industrie zu realisieren. Vor allem Transaktionsprozesse in der Logistik können durch den Einsatz dieser Technologie optimiert werden. Demnach ist das Ziel dieses Artikels die Grundzüge der Blockchain Technologie darzulegen und aufzuzeigen, wo die Blockchain bereits genutzt wird und wie dadurch Logistikprozesse verbessert werden. Der Fokus dieses Beitrags liegt auf Blockchain-Anwendungen, die sich bereits in der Industrie etabliert haben. Es wird analysiert, wie diese Systeme aufgebaut sind, wie sie in der Praxis eingesetzt werden und welchen Verbesserungen mit ihnen zu realisieren sind.
Maschinelle Lernalgorithmen sind leistungsstarke Werkzeuge, um Muster und Wechselwirkungen in Datenstrukturen zu erkennen. Diese Fähigkeiten werden im Rahmen dieses Beitrags zur Optimierung der Auftragsplanung eines Produktionssystems genutzt. Dabei wird ein praxisnahes Vorgehen zur schnellen Evaluierung neuer Auftragssituationen vorgestellt. Die Datengrundlage bildet dabei ein Simulationsmodell eines realen Produktionssystems.
Value Proposition Assessment of Blockchain Technology for Luxury, Food, and Healthcare Supply Chains
(2021)
Background: In relevant research, blockchain technology (BCT) is credited with great potential for supply chain management (SCM). However, even after more than 10 years of the technology’s existence, it is barely used for any self-sustaining applications. This raises the question of why BC cannot prevail against its alternatives. With this paper we want to identify criteria by which the added value of BCT can be measured. Furthermore, we want to evaluate how well the different supply chains (SC) exploit the added values of BCT. Methods: For this, we identified real-world examples and case studies for luxury, food, and healthcare SCs. These examples are described in detail and then analyzed for their added value compared to possible alternatives. Results: The results show that in the clusters of food and healthcare SCs, no general added value of BC over current best-practice solutions could be verified. Luxury SCs manage valuable products that are typically traded in small quantities. It is within this cluster that the implementation of BC can be justified best. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study shows that the application of BCT is especially beneficial for goods with a high value and low trade volume. In addition, the interface between reality and the digital twin should be as secure as the database or BC solution itself. Furthermore, the demand for transparency and immutability of data should be more important than the need to protect sensitive data. Finally, SC participants, especially the end customer, must also be able to appreciate the advantages of BCT.
Die Automobilmontage ist aktuell von der Produktvarianz und dem Faktor Mensch geprägt, sodass diese bisher – trotz zahlreicher präventiver Maßnahmen – nicht gänzlich fehlerfrei gestaltet werden konnte. Mit dem Ziel, jene Fehler prognostizieren zu können, wurde ein Klassifikationsmodell aus dem Bereich des überwachten maschinellen Lernens trainiert und über einen dreimonatigen Zeitraum validiert. Während dieses Zeitraums konnten rund 60 Prozent der relevanten Fehler korrekt vorhergesagt werden.
Die Elektrifizierung des Antriebsstrangs ist derzeit eines der großen Zukunftsthemen der Automobilindustrie. Das Thema ist nicht nur für den Automobilsektor relevant, sondern bietet auch Potential für andere Bereiche der Mobilität. Ein Beispiel ist die Umrüstung von Diesel-Rangierlokomotiven und Diesel-Triebwagen auf hybride Antriebe. In verschiedenen Projekten konnte bereits gezeigt werden, dass sich Emissionen und Kraftstoffverbrauch so erheblich reduzieren lassen.
Als wichtigste Komponente des hybriden oder elektrischen Antriebsstrangs ist der Energiespeicher zu sehen. Er bestimmt wesentlich über die erzielbare Reichweite sowie die Verbrauchs- und Leistungsparameter des Fahrzeugs. In dieser Studie wird daher ein Überblick über aktuell verfügbare und sich in Entwicklung befindende Speichertechnologien sowie eine Einschätzung zu deren Weiterentwicklung gegeben. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf der Eignung der Speicher für die Anwendung in Hybridrangierlokomotiven.
Zu diesem Zweck wurde einerseits eine umfassende Recherche in aktueller Fachliteratur durchgeführt. Andererseits erfolgte eine Befragung von Experten für elektrochemische Speicher aus Wissenschaft und Industrie. Darauf aufbauend erfolgte eine Bewertung der Eignung aktueller und zukünftiger Speichertechnologien für die Verwendung in Hybridrangierlokomotiven. Zur Visualisierung der zukünftigen Entwicklungen wurde eine Produkt- und Technologie-Roadmap für die relevanten Technologien erstellt.
Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a widely known lean tool to improve manufacturing systems. Despite having many benefits VSM also has some shortcomings in today’s more dynamic production environment. To eliminate these weaknesses and to further increase flexibility, we developed a dynamic value stream management concept taking both the recent digitalization technologies and organizational structures into account. Therefore, we designed a concept with two dimensions: on one hand a technical infrastructure facing Industry 4.0, on the other hand a management approach describing involved roles and relevant day-to-day activities. The analysis of value streams is facilitated by data analytics and simulation using real-time data. Our contribution possesses first insights in the conceptual considerations.