Diverse task scheduling for individualized requirements in cloud manufacturing

Collaborative task scheduling with new task arrival in cloud manufacturing using improved multi-population biogeography-based optimization

Task scheduling is important in cloud manufacturing because of customers’ increasingly individualized demands. However, when various changes occur, a previous optimal schedule may become non-optimal or even infeasible owing to the uncertainty of the real manufacturing environment where dynamic task arrival over time is a vital source. In this paper, we propose a novel collaborative task scheduling (CTS) model dealing with new task arrival which considers multi-supply chain collaboration. We present an improved multi-population biogeography-based optimization (IMPBBO) algorithm that uses a matrix-based solution representation and integrates the multi-population strategy, local search for the best solution, and the collaboration mechanism, for determining the optimal schedule. A series of experiments are conducted for verifying the effectiveness of the IMPBBO algorithm for solving the CTS model by comparing it with five other algorithms. The experimental results concerning average best values obtained by the IMPBBO algorithm are better than that obtained by comparison algorithms for 41 out of 45 cases, showing its superior performance. Wilcoxon-test has been employed to strengthen the fact that IMPBBO algorithm performs better than five comparison algorithms.

Industry 4.0 in a Small Commodity-Based Economy: A Vehicle for Stimulating Innovation

Innovation is fundamental for companies to exploit changes in their environment and maintain a competitive advantage. Access to information and the ability to quickly utilise available resources are key enablers for in-company innovation. Both of these are elements associated with Industry 4.0, which can now be identified as a facilitator of innovation. The Industry 4.0 framework integrates evolutionary advances in manufacturing, production technologies, information technology, Internet of Things (IoT), distributed processing power, and visualization tools, which facilitate organizations to more effectively create enhanced value propositions for their customers, encouraging innovation in processes and products. Three local firms are analyzed, and opportunities for innovation are clearly identified in the process of transitioning to Industry 4.0 through reconfigured value chains; the creation of a cluster to facilitate the development of innovative cloud-based solutions; and product configurator and an augmented reality interactive display.