2024
Authors
Santos, R; Rocha, C; Dias, R; Quintas, J;
Publication
Communications in Computer and Information Science
Abstract
A new generation of manufacturing systems is emerging through the adoption of new policies to overcome future crises highlighted by constant social, environmental, and economic concerns. The rise of so-called smart manufacturing is noticeable. However, new risks to humankind are being introduced, and, more than ever, science and technology are required to guarantee the future sustainability and resilience of our manufacturing systems. This research presents a Digital Twin approach resorting to simulation models with embedded intelligence to transform efficient manufacturing systems and react to complex and unpredictable circumstances. The methodology covers production scheduling incorporating flexible robots, internal logistics supervision contemplating planning and control of mobile robots, and capacity management. The method demonstrates the potential of integrating Additive Manufacturing technologies to quickly react to production needs. The developed strategy was enforced and assessed in an industrial experiment, exhibiting its robustness and promising application. The attained results were very encouraging, highlighting its potential extension to more complex industrial systems. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.
2024
Authors
Marques C.M.; Silva A.C.; de Sousa J.P.;
Publication
Computer Aided Chemical Engineering
Abstract
In this work a hybrid simulation-optimization approach is presented to support decision-making towards improved resiliency and sustainability in pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC) operations. In a first step, a simulation model is used to assess the PSC performance under a set of disruptive scenarios to select the best inventory-based strategy for enhanced resiliency. Disruptions addressed in this work are mainly related to unpredicted medium-term production stoppages due to unexpected high-impact events such as accidents in production and transportation, or natural disasters. In a second step, a multi-objective mixed integer linear programming (MO-MILP) model is developed to optimize the selected inventory-based strategy regarding the economic, social, and environmental dimensions. In particular, the social and environmental aspects are introduced by anticipating the expected waste generation of close to expire medicines, redirecting them into a donation scheme. The proposed approach is applied to a representative PSC, with preliminary results showing the relevance of this tool for decision-makers to assess the trade-offs associated to the economic and social dimensions, as well as their impacts on waste generation.
2024
Authors
Homayouni, SM; de Sousa, JP; Marques, CM;
Publication
WMU JOURNAL OF MARITIME AFFAIRS
Abstract
This paper examines the role of digital twins (DTs) in promoting sustainability within seaport operations and logistics. DTs have emerged as promising tools for enhancing seaport performance. Despite the recognized potential of DTs in seaports, there is a paucity of research on their practical implementation and impact on seaport sustainability. Through a systematic literature review, this study seeks to elucidate how DTs contribute to the sustainability of seaports and to identify future research and practical applications. We reviewed and categorized 68 conceptual and practical digital applications into ten core areas that effectively support economic, social, and environmental objectives in seaports. Furthermore, this paper proposes five preliminary potential applications for DTs where practical implementations are currently lacking. The primary findings indicate that DTs can enhance seaport sustainability by facilitating real-time monitoring and decision-making, improving safety and security, optimizing resource utilization, enhancing collaboration and communication, and supporting the development of the seaport ecosystem. Additionally, this study addresses the challenges associated with DT implementation, including high costs, conflicting stakeholder priorities, data quality and availability, and model validation. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for seaport managers and policymakers.
2024
Authors
Fontes, DBMM; Homayouni, SM; Fernandes, JC;
Publication
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
Abstract
This work extends the energy-efficient job shop scheduling problem with transport resources by considering speed adjustable resources of two types, namely: the machines where the jobs are processed on and the vehicles that transport the jobs around the shop-floor. Therefore, the problem being considered involves determining, simultaneously, the processing speed of each production operation, the sequence of the production operations for each machine, the allocation of the transport tasks to vehicles, the travelling speed of each task for the empty and for the loaded legs, and the sequence of the transport tasks for each vehicle. Among the possible solutions, we are interested in those providing trade-offs between makespan and total energy consumption (Pareto solutions). To that end, we develop and solve a bi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model. In addition, due to problem complexity we also propose a multi-objective biased random key genetic algorithm that simultaneously evolves several populations. The computational experiments performed have show it to be effective and efficient, even in the presence of larger problem instances. Finally, we provide extensive time and energy trade-off analysis (Pareto front) to infer the advantages of considering speed adjustable machines and speed adjustable vehicles and provide general insights for the managers dealing with such a complex problem.
2024
Authors
Silva, HD; Soares, AL;
Publication
NAVIGATING UNPREDICTABILITY: COLLABORATIVE NETWORKS IN NON-LINEAR WORLDS, PRO-VE 2024, PT II
Abstract
Canvas have for long been embraced as a popular design tool. Initially aimed towards, business model development, the model of a one page, visual and collaborative tool has spread to the design of many different artifacts. Digital platforms, with its conjugation of business, technical, and social facets have benefited from the canvas model for its design practices, from both scholars and practitioners. Nonetheless, the recent push for more industry-specific and holistic digital platform research agenda is bound to have an impact in the tools used for platform design. In this paper, we apply a literature review method to examine existing canvas, inspired by the Business Model Canvas, as tools for the design of digital platforms. Using conceptual platform design research as a frame of reference, we review eight canvas specific for digital platform design, highlighting four critical limitations in their application regarding (1) adopted broad platform conceptualizations; (2) a restricted focus on business elements; (3) a lack of focus on platform evolution; and (4) a lack of guidance in the translation of canvas to explicit platform design propositions and requirements. By addressing these limitations, we set a path for the evolution of canvas as collaborative tools that can better support the more comprehensive and nuanced approaches required for the design of digital platforms acting in an evermore non-linear, volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environments.
2024
Authors
Zimmermann, R; Inês, A; Dalmarco, G; Moreira, AC;
Publication
CLEANER AND RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION
Abstract
The circular economy is increasingly being considered as a potential model to replace the prevailing end-of-life approach by establishing a closed-loop flow. The importance of different supply chain (SC) actors in this process has been recognized as a critical aspect of the development of sustainable production-consumption models. Consumers play a crucial role in this context, as they have a dual function: ensuring the correct disposal of used products; and consuming products from circular sources. However, the different roles consumers play (refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle, recover) in circular SCs are still unclear. Through a systematic literature review, this paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the influence of consumers on the adoption of circular supply chain (CSC) practices and to identify the main drivers and barriers regarding the adoption of circular practices. The results demonstrate that the topic is recent and has gained ground in the literature. An in-depth qualitative analysis was carried out with the 74 papers identified and shows that the most commonly addressed R-strategies are reuse, recycle and repair. The main motivations and challenges towards a greater adoption of circular practices are related to (or lack of) environmental beliefs and financial benefits.
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