Statistical Delay Bound for WirelessHART Networks

In this paper we provide a performance analysis framework for wireless industrial networks by deriving a service curve and a bound on the delay violation probability. For this purpose we use the (min,x) stochastic network calculus as well as a recently presented recursive formula for an end-to-end delay bound of wireless heterogeneous networks. The derived results are mapped to WirelessHART networks used in process automation and were validated via simulations. In addition to WirelessHART, our results can be applied to any wireless network whose physical layer conforms the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, while its MAC protocol incorporates TDMA and channel hopping, like e.g. ISA100.11a or TSCH-based networks. The provided delay analysis is especially useful during the network design phase, offering further research potential towards optimal routing and power management in QoS-constrained wireless industrial networks.Comment: Accepted at PE-WASUN 201

Surfacing Automation Criteria: A Process Architecture Approach

This paper describes the outcomes of a case study aimed at surfacing and analyzing decision making criteria used to prioritize process automation initiatives with a view toward engendering a process-centric organization and eventually exposing these processes as services. The study used structured interviews, content analysis, and enterprise process architecture mapping techniques to explore the implicit and explicit logic underlying process automation decisions. The results point to a wide range of decision making criteria involving technology, business and industry characteristics. We discuss the implications of our analysis for future, larger-scale, research projects and describe the potential implications for organizations interested in moving toward a process-oriented enterprise

Impact of Automation and Visualization on a Toyota´s European process

Internship Report presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Data Science and Advanced Analytics, specialization in Data ScienceThis dissertation focuses on implementing automation and visualization in a Toyota’s European process that ensures compliance and customer safety across Europe. The Campaign Team within Toyota Motor Europe (TME) plays a crucial role in this Request process. Given its significance to the company, it is vital to automate and optimize this process and create visualization tools to enhance effective monitoring and informed decision-making. By incorporating the Toyota Business Process (TBP) framework, we defined thirteen steps for completing this project. We analyzed existing pain points in the Request process, set clear goals, proposed a To-Be process, and involved all stakeholders in tool development. To enhance efficiency, we relied on some concepts from the Toyota Production System (TPS), including Nemawashi, Genchi Genbutsu, and Poka-yoke. As a result, we significantly reduced manual work performed by the Campaign Team every time a new request is issued. Additionally, we provided all National Marketing & Sales Companies (NMSCs) with a visual overview of the Request process. Other benefits were also implemented in this project, such as job standardization, information centralization, and enhanced communication between stakeholders and the Campaign Team. Overall, this dissertation presents a methodology that can be replicated for enhancing other Toyota’s European processes

Latent variable based model predictive control: Ensuring validity of predictions

This paper presents a methodology to constrain the optimisation problem in LV-MPC so that validity of predictions can be ascertained. LV-MPC is a model-based predictive control methodology implemented in the space of the latent variables and is based on a linear predictor. Provided real processes are non-linear, there is model-process mismatch, and under tight control, the predictor can be used for extrapolation. Extrapolation leads to bad predictions which deteriorates control performance, hence the interest in validity of predictions. In the proposed approach first two validity indicators on predictions are defined. The novelty in the two indicators proposed is they neglect past data, and so validity of predictions is ascertained in terms of future moves which are actually the degrees of freedom in the optimisation. Second, the indicators are introduced in the optimisation as constraints. Provided the indicators are quadratic, recursive optimisation with linearised constraints is implemented. A MIMO example shows how ensuring validity of predictions neglecting past data can improve closed-loop performance, specially under tight control outside the identification region. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.The first author is recipient of a fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (FPU AP2007-04549). This paper is partially funded by projects DPI2008-02133/DPI, TIN2011-28082 and PROMETEO/2012/028. The authors gratefully acknowledge reviewers' comments.Laurí Pla, D.; Sanchís Saez, J.; Martínez Iranzo, MA.; Hilario Caballero, A. (2013). Latent variable based model predictive control: Ensuring validity of predictions. Journal of Process Control. 23(1):12-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jprocont.2012.11.001S122223

Modelling & Predictive Control of a Crude Distillation Unit

The purpose of this project is to implement Model Predictive Control strategy to a Crude Distillation Unit model and to compare it to PI controllers in terms of controller performance. The motivation of this project comes to the fact that there is a need to reduce CO2 emission and at the same time to reduce energy consumption within the unit. The author has developed the CDU model using HYSYS and also in state-space representation using MATLAB, the latter was being used to design MPC controllers. From this project, it can be seen that the success of MPC implementation depends on the accuracy of the plant model to represent actual process. The MPC controller proved to be more effective in regulating the percent liquid level of the condenser but not so effective for the other two variables being studied

A critical analysis of research potential, challenges and future directives in industrial wireless sensor networks

In recent years, Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks (IWSNs) have emerged as an important research theme with applications spanning a wide range of industries including automation, monitoring, process control, feedback systems and automotive. Wide scope of IWSNs applications ranging from small production units, large oil and gas industries to nuclear fission control, enables a fast-paced research in this field. Though IWSNs offer advantages of low cost, flexibility, scalability, self-healing, easy deployment and reformation, yet they pose certain limitations on available potential and introduce challenges on multiple fronts due to their susceptibility to highly complex and uncertain industrial environments. In this paper a detailed discussion on design objectives, challenges and solutions, for IWSNs, are presented. A careful evaluation of industrial systems, deadlines and possible hazards in industrial atmosphere are discussed. The paper also presents a thorough review of the existing standards and industrial protocols and gives a critical evaluation of potential of these standards and protocols along with a detailed discussion on available hardware platforms, specific industrial energy harvesting techniques and their capabilities. The paper lists main service providers for IWSNs solutions and gives insight of future trends and research gaps in the field of IWSNs

Time to be responsive in the process industry: a literature-based analysis of trends of change, solutions and challenges

The current uncertain and volatile business context is challenging firms worldwide, leading to the need to be responsive at a competitive cost. This trend is so substantial that it even affects industries traditionally competing in rather stable contexts, such as the process industry. Although the process industry includes multiple sectors with different technologies and processes, these share several aspects that make the industry as a whole distinctive to the discrete manufacturing industry. Based on a literature review, this study identifies and describes trends leading the process industry to the need for responsiveness, corresponding solutions to accommodate the need, and related challenges hindering the industrialization and diffusion of solutions in this industry. This study shows that trends, such as the uncertainty and volatility of market requirements, are challenging the process industry to develop reconfigurability solutions across multiple production levels. The development of reconfigurability solutions is hindered by modularity, integrability, co-ordination and collaboration challenges

A strategy for the integration of hyper-automation technologies into the Portuguese companies

Dissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Information Management, specialization in Knowledge Management and Business IntelligenceToday´s competitive world demand companies to explore and discover new business automation technologies in order to evolve their processes and obtain tremendous benefits, from increased efficiency to reduced costs. The business processes that currently involve a lot of manual work or are considered as non-value added to the company are in the lead to automate so employees can focus their knowledge into more relevant tasks. The purpose of this study is to propose a strategy for the integration of hyper-automation technologies into current Portuguese companies’ processes and by this way increase the competitiveness of the Portuguese companies. An analysis of the subject and understanding the relevance of hyper-automation processes is conducted, as well as a collection of information from Portuguese companies of their automated processes, as the basis to identify business needs that may be included in a strategy to apply hyper-automation technologies. It will be gathered relevant literature on the domain being analyzed for building a comprehensive body. The results will be analyzed to understand in what extent Portuguese companies would adjust from hyper-automation technologies, reporting the benefits inherent to technological evolution and measure in which areas/departments the managers believe hyper-automation will have a major influence in the short-term