Showing papers in "International Journal of Production Research in 2004"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed a research framework that improves understanding of supply chain management and stimulates and facilitates researchers to undertake both theoretical and empirical investigat... Although research interests in and the importance of SCM are growing, scholarly materials remain scattered and disjointed, and no research has been directed towards a systematic identification of the core initiatives and constructs involved in SCM.
Abstract: Increasing global cooperation, vertical disintegration and a focus on core activities have led to the notion that firms are links in a networked supply chain. This strategic viewpoint has created the challenge of coordinating effectively the entire supply chain, from upstream to downstream activities. While supply chains have existed ever since businesses have been organized to bring products and services to customers, the notion of their competitive advantage, and consequently supply chain management (SCM), is a relatively recent thinking in management literature. Although research interests in and the importance of SCM are growing, scholarly materials remain scattered and disjointed, and no research has been directed towards a systematic identification of the core initiatives and constructs involved in SCM. Thus, the purpose of this study is to develop a research framework that improves understanding of SCM and stimulates and facilitates researchers to undertake both theoretical and empirical investigat...
666 citations
TL;DR: In addition to the graphic-editing facilities, the software tool Tina proposes the construction of a number of representations for the behaviour of Petrinets or Time Petri nets, which provide a finite symbolic representation of their behaviour in terms of state classes.
Abstract: In addition to the graphic-editing facilities, the software tool Tina proposes the construction of a number of representations for the behaviour of Petri nets or Time Petri nets. Various techniques are used to extract views of the behaviour of nets, preserving certain classes of properties of their state spaces. For Petri nets, these abstractions help prevent combinatorial explosion, relying on so-called partial order techniques such as covering steps and/or persistent sets. For Time Petri nets, which have, in general, infinite state spaces, they provide a finite symbolic representation of their behaviour in terms of state classes.
409 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive literature review and interviews with eight SMEs in the UK were carried out to identify the constituents within the critical elements, including critical success factors, critical people and critical uncertainties.
Abstract: The body of research relating to the implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been increasing rapidly over the last few years. It is important, particularly for SMEs, to recognize the elements for a successful ERP implementation in their environments. This research aims to examine the critical elements that constitute a successful ERP implementation in SMEs. The objective is to identify the constituents within the critical elements. A comprehensive literature review and interviews with eight SMEs in the UK were carried out. The results serve as the basic input into the formation of the critical elements and their constituents. Three main critical elements are formed: critical success factors, critical people and critical uncertainties. Within each critical element, the related constituents are identified. Using the process theory approach, the constituents within each critical element are linked to their specific phase(s) of ERP impleme...
326 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review possible procedures for the generation of proactive (robust) schedules, which are as well as possible protected against schedule disruptions, and for the deployment of reactive scheduling procedures that may be used to revise or reoptimize the baseline schedule when unexpected events occur.
Abstract: The vast majority of the research efforts in project scheduling over the past several years has concentrated on the development of exact and suboptimal procedures for the generation of a baseline schedule assuming complete information and a deterministic environment. During execution, however, projects may be the subject of considerable uncertainty, which may lead to numerous schedule disruptions. Predictive-reactive scheduling refers to the process where a baseline schedule is developed prior to the start of the project and updated if necessary during project execution. It is the objective of this paper to review possible procedures for the generation of proactive (robust) schedules, which are as well as possible protected against schedule disruptions, and for the deployment of reactive scheduling procedures that may be used to revise or re-optimize the baseline schedule when unexpected events occur. We also offer a framework that should allow project management to identify the proper scheduling methodol...
288 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an investigation into how the advent of Rapid Manufacturing will influence an individual designer's approach to product design and materials selection is detailed, and the assumption is made that Rapid Prototyping machines have evolved into viable manufacturing systems and all associated problems with accuracy, surface finish and repeatability have been resolved.
Abstract: An investigation into how the advent of Rapid Manufacturing will influence an individual designer's approach to product design and materials selection is detailed. The assumption is made that Rapid Prototyping machines have evolved into viable manufacturing systems and all associated problems with accuracy, surface finish and repeatability have been resolved. Without the restriction of removing a product from a tool, designers will be free to design any complexity of geometry that they either desire or require. This tool-less approach to manufacturing will have profound implications on the way designers are accustomed to working and will eliminate most Design for Manufacture considerations. Design investigations are presented to highlight the potential importance and scope of Rapid Manufacturing. With advances in a new range of materials, some Rapid Manufacturing is happening today—albeit with existing Rapid Prototyping equipment. However, to enable designers to use existing Rapid Prototyping equipment fo...
235 citations
TL;DR: This review identifies some major research efforts for applying control theoretic methods to production–inventory systems and shows that in general, control theory is applied to reduce inventory variation, reduce demand amplification and optimize ordering rules.
Abstract: Mathematical models based on average or steady-state conditions are insufficient when dealing with dynamic situations faced by production–inventory systems in current business environments. Therefore, the use of mathematical tools based on control theory to handle time-varying phenomena has been reinvigorated in order to accommodate these new needs. Given the variety of research approaches in the field over several decades, there is a need to provide a review of this work. This review identifies some major research efforts for applying control theoretic methods to production–inventory systems. It is shown that in general, control theory is applied to reduce inventory variation, reduce demand amplification and optimize ordering rules. Some control theory tools applied are block diagram algebra, Mason's gain formula, Bode plots, Laplace transform, Z transform and optimal control. Basic approaches are classified within stochastic control theory and deterministic control theory. Two important issues are then ...
204 citations
TL;DR: The role of postponement in the management of uncertainty is investigated in this paper, where the concept of postponing is developed to include product development, purchasing postponement, production postponement and logistics postponement.
Abstract: It has long been recognized that one of the most important tasks for any organization to cope with is uncertainties However, uncertainty in the business environment has still been the main cause of failure in industry The paper investigates the role of postponement in the management of uncertainty The concept of postponement is developed to include product development postponement, purchasing postponement, production postponement and logistics postponement These postponement strategies are all presented to cope with different levels of uncertainty Finally, conclusions are drawn and some remarks about further research are made
200 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an attempt has been made to determine the optimal part deposition orientations by considering two objective functions at a time, namely average part surface roughness (average surface thickness) and surface finish quality.
Abstract: In rapid prototyping processes, the deposition orientation of the part is very important as it affects part surface quality, production time and the requirement for support structure and hence cost. Depositing the part with thinner slices results in a larger build time. At the same time, if a large slice thickness is chosen, the surface finish is very poor due to stair-stepping. These are two contradicting issues and are tackled by using adaptive slicing. In adaptive slicing, slice thickness is calculated based on local geometry of the computer-aided design model and rapid proto-typing machine specifications. Even though adaptive slicing controls part surface quality by compromising on build time for a deposition orientation, an optimum orientation can further reduce build time and enhance part surface quality. In the present work, an attempt has been made to determine the optimal part deposition orientations by considering two objective functions at a time, namely average part surface roughness (average ...
177 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a new heuristic approach for minimizing the operating path of automated or computer numerically controlled drilling operations is described, which is first defined as a travelling salesman problem.
Abstract: A new heuristic approach for minimizing the operating path of automated or computer numerically controlled drilling operations is described. The operating path is first defined as a travelling salesman problem. The new heuristic, particle swarm optimization, is then applied to the travelling salesman problem. A model for the approximate prediction of drilling time based on the heuristic solution is presented. The new method requires few control variables: it is versatile, robust and easy to use. In a batch production of a large number of items to be drilled such as in printed circuit boards, the travel time of the drilling device is a significant portion of the overall manufacturing process, hence the new particle swarm optimization–travelling salesman problem heuristic can play a role in reducing production costs.
174 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the impact of TPM on the performance of the organization and find that there is a positive correlation between TPM and business performance and that experienced and large TPM firms fare better in terms of business performance while there are no differences in the perform...
Abstract: Increased global competition has augmented the importance of total productive maintenance (TPM) in obtaining and maintaining a competitive advantage. More and more organizations are seeking proactive tools such as TPM to enhance their competitive position. The paper focuses on gaining insights into the impact of TPM on the performance of the organization. There is support for a positive correlation between TPM and business performance. There is also a positive correlation between TPM and business performance shown by all the six general constructs of corporate planning, top management leadership, human resource focus, process focus, total quality management focus and information system focus, and the three specific constructs of TPM strategies, TPM teams and TPM process focus. Clearly, this indicates the need for TPM to be an integrated effort for the entire organization. In addition, experienced and large TPM firms fare better in terms of business performance while there are no differences in the perform...
160 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a methodology for the design of products families based on a data-mining approach and it focuses on the analysis of functional requirements, and the two issues of adequate diversity for a particular market and management and manufacture of products within an acceptable lead time and an acceptable cost are discussed.
Abstract: Companies design and manufacture widely diversified products to satisfy the needs of their customers and markets. Two issues important to achieving this aim are discussed. The first concerns adequate diversity for a particular market. The second concerns the management and manufacture of products within an acceptable lead time and an acceptable cost. The two issues are examined with a methodology for the design of products families. This methodology is based on a data-mining approach and it focuses on the analysis of functional requirements.
TL;DR: In this paper, an approach of grouping products into families based on operational similarities, when machines are still not identified, is presented to assign product families to the required manufacturing facilities in terms of (re)configuring manufacturing systems.
Abstract: A Reconfigurable Manufacturing System (RMS) is a new paradigm that focuses on manufacturing a high variety of products at the same system. Having specified a design strategy for an RMS as the first design step at the tactical level, products must be grouped to identify and allocate corresponding manufacturing facilities. An interface between market and manufacturing called reconfiguration link is presented to specify and arrange products for manufacturing. The reconfiguration link incorporates the tasks of determining the products in the production range, grouping them into families and selecting the appropriate family at each configuration stage. The proposed approach of (re)configuring products before manufacturing facilitates assigning product families to the required manufacturing facilities in terms of (re)configuring manufacturing systems. This paper contributes an overall approach of grouping products into families based on operational similarities, when machines are still not identified. Since the problem of product family selection consists of quantitative and qualitative objectives, the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) is then used while considering both market and manufacturing requirements. The AHP model is verified in an industrial case study through using Expert Choice software. The solutions take advantage of monitoring sensitivity analysis while changing the priorities of manufacturing and/or market criteria. The concept of the proposed model is generic in structure and applicable to many firms. However, the model must be adapted according to the specific nature of the company under study. For instance, product family choices may differ from one company to another because of the available technology and the volume and type of existing products in the production range.
TL;DR: This research attempts to minimize total weighted tardiness on parallel batch machines with incompatible job families by proposing two different versions of a genetic algorithm (GA), each consisting of three different phases, and shows that algorithms of the first version of the GA outperform traditional dispatching rules with respect to solution quality and computation time.
Abstract: This research is motivated by a scheduling problem found in the diffusion and oxidation areas of semiconductor wafer fabrication, where the machines can be modelled as parallel batch processors. We attempt to minimize total weighted tardiness on parallel batch machines with incompatible job families. Given that the problem is NP-hard, we propose two different versions of a genetic algorithm (GA), each consisting of three different phases. The first version forms fixed batches, then assigns batches to the machines using a GA, and finally sequences the batches on individual machines. The second version assigns jobs to machines using a GA, then forms batches on each machine for the jobs assigned to it, and finally sequences these batches. Heuristics are used for the batching phase and the sequencing phase. For both these versions an additional fourth phase can be included wherein the sequenced batches are modified using pairwise swapping techniques. Using stochastically generated test data we show that algorithms of the first version of the GA outperform (1) traditional dispatching rules with respect to solution quality and (2) the algorithms of the second version with respect to both solution quality and computation time.
TL;DR: The enterprise information integration framework defines four levels of the enterprise system to identify the obstacles and to define the information integration types encountered at each level and is used to analyse the currently used technologies and promising technologies toward enterprise information Integration.
Abstract: Organizations face the challenging task of integrating their distributed organizational units, information systems, and business processes for improved operation and attainment of organizational goals. There is the difficulty of dealing with heterogeneous applications that use different formats (syntax) and apply different meanings (semantics) to the data. There is the difficulty of coordinating the workflow so as the disparate organizational units act as a harmonious whole. The broad scope of the enterprise integration problem precludes approaches that tackle the entire problem but rather requires approaches that address a limited but useful integration type. The various information integration types and how they are related to each other is poorly defined. This article presents an enterprise information integration framework that aims to coalesce parallel approaches towards integration so that the information integration problem can be better understood as a whole. The enterprise information integration...
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of different levels of sharing information on inventory replenishment of enterprises in three-stage distribution supply chains of the divergent type is investigated in terms of several performance indicators through a multi-agent-based simulation model.
Abstract: This research investigates the impact of different levels of sharing information on inventory replenishment of enterprises in three-stage distribution supply chains of the divergent type. This paper has two objectives: (1) to investigate the effects of different levels of information sharing on operating cost, inventory level and backlog level of retailers, distributors, manufacturer and the entire supply chain; and (2) to study which level of information sharing is most beneficial or optimal to each type of enterprise. The entire supply chain under various supply chain scenarios characterized by several parameters including demand variance, lead times, capacity and order batch size is investigated. The impact of sharing information is evaluated in terms of several performance indicators through a multi-agent-based simulation model. The results of the experimental simulation show that no single level of information sharing dominates the others from the perspective of individual enterprises. Some insights ...
TL;DR: A new hybrid Genetic-algorithm/heuristic coding scheme is developed for the problem of simultaneous scheduling of machines and identical automated guided vehicles in flexible manufacturing systems with the objective of minimizing the makespan.
Abstract: In this paper, the problem of simultaneous scheduling of machines and identical automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in flexible manufacturing systems is addressed with the objective of minimizing the makespan. This problem is composed of two interrelated decision problems: the scheduling of machines, and the scheduling of AGVs. Both problems are known to be NP-complete, resulting in a more complicated NP-complete problem when they are considered simultaneously. A new hybrid Genetic-algorithm/heuristic coding scheme is developed for the studied problem. The developed coding scheme is combined with a set of genetic algorithm (GA) operators selected from the literature of the applications of GAs to the scheduling problems. The algorithm is applied to a set of 82 test problems, which was constructed by other researchers, and the comparison of the results indicates the superior performance of the developed coding.
TL;DR: A new fuzzy regression-based mathematical programming approach for QFD product planning is presented in this article, where fuzzy regression theories with symmetric and non-symmetric triangular fuzzy coefficients are discussed to identify the relational functions between engineering characteristics and customer requirements and among engineering characteristics.
Abstract: Quality function deployment (QFD) is becoming a widely used customer-driven approach and tool in product design. The inherent fuzziness in QFD modelling makes fuzzy regression more appealing than classical statistical tools. A new fuzzy regression-based mathematical programming approach for QFD product planning is presented. First, fuzzy regression theories with symmetric and non-symmetric triangular fuzzy coefficients are discussed to identify the relational functions between engineering characteristics and customer requirements and among engineering characteristics. By embedding the relational functions obtained by fuzzy regression, a mathematical programming model is developed to determine targets of engineering characteristics, taking into consideration the fuzziness, financial factors and customer expectations among the competitors in product development process. The proposed modelling approach can help design team assess relational functions in QFD effectively and reconcile tradeoffs among the vario...
TL;DR: This paper presents an integrated inventory model to minimize the sum of the ordering/setup cost, holding cost, quality improvement investment and crashing cost by simultaneously optimizing the order quantity, lead time, process quality and number of deliveries while the probability distribution of the lead time demand is normal.
Abstract: Nowadays supply chain management is a popular practice in manufacturing systems, and just-in-time (JIT) production plays a crucial role in supply chain environments. Companies are using JIT production to gain and maintain a competitive advantage. The characteristics of JIT systems are consistent high quality, small lot sizes, frequent delivery, short lead time, and close supplier ties. This paper presents an integrated inventory model to minimize the sum of the ordering/setup cost, holding cost, quality improvement investment and crashing cost by simultaneously optimizing the order quantity, lead time, process quality and number of deliveries while the probability distribution of the lead time demand is normal. This integrated inventory model is useful particularly for JIT inventory systems where the vendor and the purchaser form a strategic alliance for profit sharing.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors derived success factors for innovation in a knowledge-driven economy, where the traditional linear model from research and development as a basis of innovations is shifting to a model with a wide network of sources and partners integrating complementary competencies.
Abstract: Innovation has been widely recognized as the key driver of economic growth. However, in the knowledge-driven economy, the nature of innovation is changing. Both technologies and innovations are becoming more complex as the knowledge content has increased. Due to the amount of different knowledge domains, individual players cannot develop anymore all the competencies necessary to create innovation in the knowledge-driven economy. Successful innovators therefore join to form innovation networks that allow them to source flexibly competencies and to offer innovations that are complete solutions and not just products. The traditional linear model from research and development as a basis of innovations is thus shifting to a model with a wide network of sources and partners integrating complementary competencies. Managing innovation in such a network poses new challenges for companies as they need to adapt their way of working and develop ‘networking’ competencies. In this paper, success factors are derived tha...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a demand sharing methodology based on a set of predefined collaboration rules for vertical and horizontal supply chain collaboration, and proposed a framework of a central coordination system, which is equipped with a multi-criteria genetic optimization feature.
Abstract: This paper studies vertical and horizontal supply chain collaboration, and proposes a demand sharing methodology based on a set of predefined collaboration rules. Supply chain collaboration is prevalent, and has been recognized to be one of the important issues in improving competition strength. However, implementation of supply chain collaboration encounters many barriers, such as type, scope and security of information sharing, equity in benefits sharing, joint decision making, coordination tasks etc. For these reasons this paper proposes a framework of a central coordination system, which is equipped with a multi-criteria genetic optimization feature. The optimization methodology combines an analytic hierarchy process with genetic algorithms. It deploys an analytic hierarchy process to model the collaboration rules, govern the demand allocations, and evaluate the fitness values of chromosomes. The implementation of the proposed central coordination system is demonstrated by a hypothetical three-echelon...
TL;DR: A simulated annealing approach to minimize makespan for identical parallel batch-processing machines is presented and outperforms CPLEX on most of the instances.
Abstract: A simulated annealing approach to minimize makespan for identical parallel batch-processing machines is presented. Each job has a corresponding processing time and size. The machine can process the jobs in batches as long as the total size of all the jobs in a batch does not exceed the machine capacity. The processing time of a batch is equal to the longest processing time among all the jobs in the batch. Random instances were generated to test the approach with respect to solution quality and run time. The results of the simulated annealing approach were compared with CPLEX. The approach outperforms CPLEX on most of the instances.
TL;DR: In this paper, a fuzzy multiple objective programming approach that incorporates imprecise and subjective information inherent in the QFD planning process to determine the level of fulfilment of design requirements is presented.
Abstract: Quality function deployment (QFD) is a customer-oriented design tool for developing new or improved products to increase customer satisfaction by integrating marketing, design engineering, manufacturing, and other related functions of an organization. QFD focuses on delivering value by taking into account customer needs and then deploying this information throughout the development process. Although QFD aims to maximize customer satisfaction, technology and cost considerations limit the number and the extent of the possible design requirements that can be incorporated into a product. This paper presents a fuzzy multiple objective programming approach that incorporates imprecise and subjective information inherent in the QFD planning process to determine the level of fulfilment of design requirements. Linguistic variables are employed to represent the imprecise design information and the importance degree of each design objective. The fuzzy Delphi method is utilized to achieve the consensus of customers in...
TL;DR: In this article, a mathematical model of the total quality management (TQM) environment from these interacting factors using a graph theoretic approach has been developed, which is useful for comparison, ranking and optimum selection.
Abstract: Different total quality management (TQM) environments may be suggested to an organization for improving the quality of products, customer satisfaction, competitiveness and profitability by TQM experts. This paper identifies factors responsible for the TQM environment. All these factors are interacting with each other by different amounts. An attempt has been made to develop a mathematical model of the TQM environment from these interacting factors using a graph theoretic approach. In the graph theoretic model, a directed graph or digraph is used to represent abstract information of the system using directed edges, which is useful for visual analysis. The matrix model developed from the digraph is useful for computer processing. A permanent value of multinomial developed from the matrix represents the environment uniquely by a single number/index, which is useful for comparison, ranking and optimum selection. The method is quite flexible to accommodate new factors and market dynamics in global business in ...
TL;DR: In this paper, an integrated method for preventive maintenance and inventory control of a production line, composed of n machines (n ≥ 1) without intermediate buffers, is proposed, where the machines are subject to failures and an age-dependent preventive maintenance policy is used.
Abstract: This paper proposes an integrated method for preventive maintenance and inventory control of a production line, composed of n machines (n ≥ 1) without intermediate buffers. The machines are subject to failures and an age-dependent preventive maintenance policy is used. Approximate analytical results are proposed for the one machine case. Simulation software is used to model and simulate the behaviour of the production line of n machines under various maintenance and inventory control strategies. A methodology combining the simulation and genetic algorithms is proposed jointly to optimize maintenance and inventory control policies. Results are compared with the analytical solutions.
TL;DR: An MSE Ontology is proposed to enable the operation of an extended enterprise MSE Moderator to provide common understanding of manufacturing-related terms, and therefore to enhance the semantic interoperability and reuse of knowledge resources within globally extended manufacturing teams.
Abstract: Communication, knowledge sharing and awareness of available expertise are complex issues for any multidiscipline team. Complexity increases substantially in extended enterprise environments. The concepts of an MSE Moderator have previously been considered in environments with shared information models and vocabularies. These concepts are now translated to the realm of extended enterprises, where inevitably, individual partners will have their own terminology and information sources. An MSE Ontology is proposed to enable the operation of an extended enterprise MSE Moderator to provide common understanding of manufacturing-related terms, and therefore to enhance the semantic interoperability and reuse of knowledge resources within globally extended manufacturing teams.
TL;DR: In this article, an algorithm was developed for the optimization design of control charts based on the probability distribution of the random process shifts (e.g. mean shift), and the objective was to minimize the overall mean of Taguchi's loss function per out-of-control case (denoted as ML) by adjusting the sample size, sampling interval and control limits of the chart in an optimal manner.
Abstract: An algorithm was developed for the optimization design of control charts based on the probability distribution of the random process shifts (e.g. mean shift). The design objective was to minimize the overall mean of Taguchi's loss function per out-of-control case (denoted as ML) by adjusting the sample size, sampling interval and control limits of the chart in an optimal manner. The optimal chart was therefore named as the ML chart. A three-phase operational scenario for statistical process control (SPC) was also proposed to design and operate the ML chart. The probability distribution of the mean shifts can be modelled by a Rayleigh distribution based on the sample data of the mean shifts acquired in the three-phase scenario. Unlike in the economic control chart designs, the design of the ML chart only requires a limited number of specifications that can be easily determined. The results of the comparison studies show that the ML chart is significantly superior to the Shewhart control chart in view of ov...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report on the successful development and implementation of a model aimed at evaluating the quality of project planning, which is based on both the abilities required of the project manager and the organizational support required for a proper project management infrastructure.
Abstract: Faulty planning will result in project failure, whereas high-quality project planning increases the project's chances of success. The paper reports on the successful development and implementation of a model aimed at evaluating the quality of project planning. The model is based on both the abilities required of the project manager and the organizational support required for a proper project management infrastructure. The model was validated and applied by 282 project managers in nine organizations, where strong and weak planning processes were identified and analysed.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluate the performance of three routing policies in the order-picking process, i.e., return, traversal, and midpoint policy, assuming that items are assigned to storage locations on the basis of the cube-per-order index (COI) rule in a lowlevel picker-to-part warehousing system.
Abstract: This paper evaluates the performance of three routing policies in the order-picking process, i.e. return, traversal, and midpoint policy. It is assumed that items are assigned to storage locations on the basis of the cube-per-order index (COI) rule in a low-level picker-to-part warehousing system. First, for the three policies, analytical models are developed for the total expected travel distance of the order picker considering the number of the stocking aisles is even or odd. Then the developed models are compared with simulation results to show the validity. Finally, the performance of the three policies is examined by varying the parameter value of the COI-based ABC curve, number of picks in the pick list, and ratio of the length to the width of the warehouse.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed an approach to optimize both cooling channel design and process condition selection simultaneously through an evolutionary algorithm, which can guide the optimization of the cooling process in plastic injection molding.
Abstract: The cooling process is of great importance in plastic injection moulding as it has a direct impact on both productivity and product quality. Cooling process optimization is a sophisticated task which includes not only the design of cooling channels but also the selection of process parameters. Most existing optimization systems focus on either cooling channel design or process parameter selection but not both. This paper explores an approach to optimize both cooling channel design and process condition selection simultaneously through an evolutionary algorithm. The prototype system proposed in this paper is an integration of the genetic algorithm and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) technology. The aim is to launch a computerized system that can guide the optimization of the cooling process in plastic injection moulding. The objective is to achieve the most uniform cavity surface temperature to assure product quality.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a hybrid approach that incorporates simulation, Taguchi techniques, and response surface methodology to examine the interactions among the factors, and to search for the combination of factor levels throughout the supply chain to achieve the optimal performance.
Abstract: Managing a supply chain to meet an organization's objectives is a challenge to many firms. It involves collaboration in multiple dimensions, such as cooperation, information sharing, and capacity planning. In this research, we focus on identifying the ‘best’ operating conditions for a supply chain. We propose a hybrid approach that incorporates simulation, Taguchi techniques, and response surface methodology to examine the interactions among the factors, and to search for the combination of factor levels throughout the supply chain to achieve the ‘optimal’ performance. This study makes it possible for firms to understand the dynamic relations among various factors, and provides guidelines for management to minimize the impact of demand uncertainty on the performance of the supply chain. The results help the manufacturer determine the proper plant capacity and adopt the right level of delayed differentiation strategy for its products. We also quantify the potential gains of cooperation among different memb...