Gang Liu

Bio: Gang Liu is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Petri net & Process (engineering). The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 34 citations.

A Cloud-Based Framework for Lean Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul of Complex Equipment

Abstract: Large, complex, expensive, and long-lived equipment often operate in harsh environments, which leads to the requirements of lifecycle maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). To support the continuous improvement of productivity and to reduce the cost of MRO, this paper developed a cloud-based framework for lean MRO of the equipment with the aforementioned characteristics. A concept and a model of lean MRO are proposed. Taking advantage of cloud-based design and manufacturing (CBDM) into account, an architectural framework of cloud-based MRO is proposed. A case of a lean MRO for continuous casting equipment demonstrates that the proposed cloud-based framework can achieve the goal of lean MRO of complex equipment.

Modeling the knowledge flow network for collaborative design process

Abstract: The design and development of a complex product involves various designers with multidisciplinary knowledge. Knowledge flows between individual designers or teams play a crucial role in determining how well a design task can be performed, and hence the cost and quality of the designed product. Therefore, this paper is devoted to developing a dynamic planning approach for the modeling of a knowledge flow network. Based on the process analysis techniques from Petri Nets, it first defines the concept of a knowledge flow network. The graph based approach is then adopted to represent a knowledge flow network. A dynamic multi-matrix construction method is then developed for the analysis of the knowledge flow network. The approach is especially suitable for describing large-scale design processes involving numerous tasks, designers (or automated computer agents), resources and identifying potential knowledge flow bottlenecks.

Design Prototypes: A Knowledge Representation Schema for Design

Abstract: A prevalent and pervasive view of designing is that it can be modeled using variables and decisions made about what values should be taken by these variables. The activity of designing is carried out with the expectation that the designed artifact will operate in the natural world and the social world. These worlds impose constraints on the variables and their values; so, design could be described as a goal-oriented, constrained, decision- making activity. However, design distinguish- es itself from other similarly described activities not only by its domain but also by additional necessary features. Designing involves exploration, exploring what variables might be appropriate. The process of explo- ration involves both goal variables and deci- sion variables. In addition, designing involves learning: Part of the exploration activity is learning about emerging features as a design proceeds. Finally, design activity occurs within two contexts: the context within which the designer operates and the context produced by the developing design itself. The designer’s perception of what the context is affects the implication of the context on the design. The context shifts as the designer’s perceptions change. Design activity can be now characterized as a goal-oriented, con- strained, decision-making, exploration, and learning activity that operates within a con- text that depends on the designer’s percep- tion of the context.

Industry 4.0 and Lean Manufacturing: A systematic literature review and future research directions

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to aim at identifying the relationships between Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies and Lean Manufacturing (LM) practices. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was conducted, in which 93 studies were analyzed according to their content and contextualization level. Findings In total, 9 I4.0 technologies and 14 LM practices were identified and categorized according to different levels of both value stream application and synergy. From the 126 pairwise relationships, 24 were classified as being of high synergy (e.g. relationship between Cyber-Physical Systems and value stream mapping), revealing the existence of a positive interaction between LPs and I4.0 technologies toward the achievement of a higher operational performance. Further, three future research opportunities were suggested: to validate the proposed synergies among LPs and I4.0 technologies; to distinguish the effects of relationships on all levels of flow; and to examine the effect of such relationships on operational performance. Originality/value With the emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the specificities on the relationship between LM and I4.0 still need further investigation. This paper provides a better understanding of existing literature related to I4.0, LM, and their relationship, as well as pointing out research gaps to encourage future works.

A comprehensive survey of ubiquitous manufacturing research

Abstract: In the past 10 years, ubiquitous manufacturing (UM) has received a growing amount of attention among researchers in the manufacturing community because ubiquitous computing technologies (UCTs) can be applied to address a wide range of issues in the manufacturing industry, e.g. manufacturing processes and equipment, manufacturing management and planning. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is a lack of comprehensive and critical review from a holistic view of the state-of-the-art UM and its systems. This paper aims to provide a concise overview of the technical features, characteristics and broad range of applications of UM systems published between 1997 and 2017. Among these selected articles, more than 70% of them were published between 2012 and 2017, and they are considered as recent pertinent works which will be discussed in detail. The unique aspects of this paper lie in that this paper summarises and analyses a broad range of the state-of-the-art implementation of UM systems from a ...

A Systematic Literature Review on Data and Information Required for Circular Manufacturing Strategies Adoption

Abstract: In the extant literature, circular economy (CE) is considered a driver for sustainable development of the manufacturing sector, being it an industrial paradigm aiming at regenerating resources. CE is transferred to manufacturing companies through the adoption of different Circular Manufacturing (CM) strategies (e.g., recycling, remanufacturing, etc.). Nowadays, manufacturers are struggling to implement these strategies to limit their resource consumption and pollution generation. To enable their adoption, the extant literature unveiled the importance to control along the entire value chain different types of resource flows (i.e., material, energy, and information). Nevertheless, while for material and energy management some advancements were achieved, information management and sharing remains one of the major barriers in adopting these strategies. The present work, through a systematic literature review, aims to identify the relevant information and data required to support the manufacturer’s decision process in adopting and managing the different CM strategies to pursue the transition towards CM. Furthermore, based on the results obtained, this research proposes a theoretical framework. It elucidates the four main areas to be managed by manufacturers in adopting CM strategies and it provides to the manufacturer an overview of what should be updated and upgraded inside the company to embrace CM strategies.