Cookies Policy
The website need some cookies and similar means to function. If you permit us, we will use those means to collect data on your visits for aggregated statistics to improve our service. Find out More
Accept Reject
  • Menu
Publications

2025

Rebooting Procurement Processes: Leveraging the Synergy of RPA and BPM for Optimized Efficiency

Authors
Santos, S; Santos, V; Mamede, HS;

Publication
ELECTRONICS

Abstract
Efficient procurement processes are pivotal for strategic performance in digital organizations, requiring continuous refinement driven by automation, integration, and performance monitoring. This research investigates and demonstrates the potential for synergies between RPA and BPM in procurement processes. The primary objective is to analyze and evaluate a manual procurement-intensive process to enhance efficiency, reduce time-consuming interventions, and ultimately diminish costs and cycle time. Employing Design Science Research Methodology, this research yields a practical artifact designed to streamline procurement processes. An artifact was created using BPM methods and RPA tools. The RPA was developed after applying BPM Redesign Heuristics to the current process. A mixed-methods approach was employed for its evaluation, combining quantitative analysis on cycle time reduction with a qualitative Confirmatory Focus Group of department experts. The analysis revealed that the synergy between BPM and RPAs can leverage procurement processes, decreasing cycle times and workload on intensive manual tasks and allowing employees time to focus on other functions. This research contributes valuable insights for organizations seeking to harness automation technologies for enhanced procurement operations, with the findings suggesting promising enduring benefits for both efficiency and accuracy in the procurement lifecycle.

2025

WiFi-Based Location Tracking: A Still Open Door on Laptops

Authors
Cunha, M; Mendes, R; de Montjoye, YA; Vilela, JP;

Publication
IEEE OPEN JOURNAL OF THE COMPUTER SOCIETY

Abstract
Location privacy is a major concern in the current digital society, due to the sensitive information that can be inferred from location data. This has led smartphones' Operating Systems (OSs) to strongly tighten access to location information in the last few years. The same tightening has, however, not yet happened when it comes to our second most carried around device: the laptop. In this work, we demonstrate the privacy risks resulting from the fact that major laptop OSs still expose WiFi data to installed software, thus enabling to infer location information from WiFi Access Points (APs). Using data collected in a real-world experiment, we show that laptops are often carried along with smartphones and that a large fraction of our mobility profile can be inferred from WiFi APs accessed on laptops, thus concluding on the need to protect the access to WiFi data on laptops.

2025

Improving warehouse operations: leveraging simulation for efficient layout design and process improvement in a picking by line operation

Authors
de Carvalho Paula, M; Carvalho, MS; Silva, E;

Publication
Procedia Computer Science

Abstract
This study focuses on improving the picking processes within a Picking-by-Line (PBL) warehouse through the development of a simulation model to assess different layouts and new operational rules. Utilizing a combination of Discrete Event Simulation (DES) and Agent-Based Modeling (ABS) in AnyLogic, the simulation model was validated against real-world Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure accuracy. The study identified three primary improvement opportunities. To address these opportunities, four scenarios were tested. The results showed varying impacts on productivity, with three of the four scenarios yielding improvements in picking productivity. Pilot testing confirmed the simulation model's predictions. The findings indicate that balancing travel distance reduction with congestion management is key to increasing picking productivity. This study reaffirms the value of simulation modeling in warehouse management, providing a robust framework for free-risk testing. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

2025

Application of a Genetic Algorithm for Optimising the Location of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Authors
Pinto, J; Mejia, MA; Macedo, LH; Filipe, V; Pinto, T;

Publication
PROGRESS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, EPIA 2024, PT II

Abstract
The number of electric vehicles has been increasing significantly due to various factors, such as the higher prices of fossil fuels, concerns about the increasing pollution, and the resulting incentive to use energy from renewable sources. There are currently a few charging facilities, which are still quite scattered, and several are still experimental, requiring appropriate planning of this infrastructure in order to support the growing number of electric vehicles adequately. Thus, optimising the location of charging stations becomes a critical issue, which can be achieved through the application of mathematical models and data analysis tools. An example is genetic algorithms, which have demonstrated their versatility in solving complex optimisation problems, especially those involving multiple variables. This work presents a proposal for a more comprehensive genetic algorithm model that encompasses all variables from the perspectives of all entities involved. Its experimentation was conducted using real data, with the aim of finding the best combination of locations, minimising the total number of stations and maximising the coverage of the area under study. Thus, it is essential to carefully consider user preferences, accessibility, energy demand, and existing electrical infrastructure to ensure an effective and sustainable installation. The findings highlight the crucial role of these computing tools in addressing complex problems from various viewpoints, leading to solutions that cater to the needs of all parties involved. While not necessarily perfect, these solutions represent a balanced compromise across multiple dimensions of the problem.

2025

Knowledge sharing and team dynamics in the context of an incubation program

Authors
Kurteshi, R; Almeida, F;

Publication
Knowledge Sharing and Fostering Collaborative Business Culture

Abstract
Knowledge sharing and team dynamics are essential elements of entrepreneurial success, especially in teams that operate in innovative environments. This chapter explores how participation in an incubation program influences the formation and development of entrepreneurial team identity. It aims to understand the dynamics involved in creating entrepreneurial teams, the practices of knowledge sharing, and the role digital technologies play in supporting and sustaining these processes. The study focuses on teams that completed the CEU iLab Incubation Program, with data gathered through in-depth semistructured interviews from twenty-five entrepreneurs across various startups. Five cases, involving entire entrepreneurial teams, were central to this research. The findings offer valuable insights for enhancing incubation programs, promoting entrepreneurial identity formation, and improving the success of new ventures. These insights are beneficial for both scholars and practitioners in the entrepreneurship field. © 2025 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved.

2025

Ph.D. Project: Holistic Partitioning and Optimization of CPU-FPGA Applications Through Source-to-Source Compilation

Authors
Santos, T; Bispo, J; Cardoso, JMP;

Publication
2025 IEEE 33RD ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON FIELD-PROGRAMMABLE CUSTOM COMPUTING MACHINES, FCCM

Abstract
Critical performance regions of software applications are often accelerated by offloading them onto an FPGA. An efficient end result requires the judicious application of two processes: hardware/software (hw/sw) partitioning, which identifies the regions for offloading, and the optimization of those regions for efficient High-level Synthesis (HLS). Both processes are commonly applied separately, not relying on any potential interplay between them, and not revealing how the decisions made in one process could positively influence the other. This paper describes our primary efforts and contributions made so far, and our work-in-progress, in an approach that combines both hw/sw partitioning and optimization into a unified, holistic process, automated using source-to-source compilation. By using an Extended Task Graph (ETG) representation of a C/C++ application, and expanding the synthesizable code regions, our approach aims at creating clusters of tasks for offloading by a) maximizing the potential optimizations applied to the cluster, b) minimizing the global communication cost, and c) grouping tasks that share data in the same cluster.

  • 46
  • 4281