Simple Design Approach for Shared Digital Twins

The collaborative utilization of data becomes increasingly important in industry and requires increased consideration of interoperability and data sovereignty aspects. Distributed systems play a decisive role in this context, which allow for a closer communication between the stakeholders involved and are characterized by the shared use of data and devices. At the same time new concepts emerge that enable a structured mapping of data. These include Digital Twins, which primarily allow a holistic digital representation of an entire asset lifecycle. Digital Twins offer significant potential for distributed systems and form a suitable basis for the collaborative utilization of an asset's lifecycle data. Although studies assume an increased use of Digital Twins in cross-company networks, they are still predominantly used as a purely company-internal concept. In the context of this publication, we demonstrate how to get started easily with the design of Digital Twins intended for use in collaborative distributed systems

Industrial agents for resilient manufacturing systems. AN I4.0 plantform for the manufacturing domain.

179 p.Este trabajo propone una plataforma para la gestión de sistemas de fabricación contextualizada en el marco de la Industria 4.0. Para ello, esta plataforma hace uso de los conceptos y normas recogidos en la Reference Architectural Model for Industrie 4.0 (RAMI 4.0), considerada la arquitectura de referencia a nivel europeo y global. Sobre esta base, la Plataforma I4.0 proporciona soporte tecnológico y metodológico para facilitar tareas como la caracterización e integración de activos a través del desarrollo del Asset Administration Shell (AAS), la entidad propuesta en RAMI 4.0 para proporcionar interoperabilidad y gestión de servicios. Además, el núcleo de la Plataforma I4.0 implementa los Infrastructure Services contemplados por RAMI 4.0 para la creación, registro y exposición de AASs en el sistema, y los extiende con funcionalidades adicionales para garantizar el estado operativo de la fábrica ante incidencias en el proceso o eventos no planificados.Esta Plataforma I4.0 ha sido diseñada para agentes industriales compatibles con el estándar FIPA. Los agentes industriales tienen una capacidad inherente para tomar decisiones de forma autónoma, lo que les permite decidir competir y/o colaborar entre sí para alcanzar sus objetivos. Además, el protocolo de comunicación Agent Communication Language (ACL) promovido por FIPA incorpora mecanismos como el uso de ontologías y performativos que facilitan la contextualización de las comunicaciones. La combinación de estas características hace que los agentes industriales sean ideales para la implementación de soluciones de Industria 4.0.Esta Plataforma I4.0 ha sido probada mediante tres escenarios de prueba definidos para evaluar su funcionamiento en condiciones normales y su respuesta en caso de fallos que afecten a los activos físicos y lógicos. Estos escenarios se han diseñado desde un enfoque genérico y posteriormente han sido particularizados para el demostrador utilizado, que recrea un entorno de fabricación mediante el uso de equipamiento industrial

Kommunikation und Bildverarbeitung in der Automation

In diesem Open Access-Tagungsband sind die besten Beiträge des 11. Jahreskolloquiums "Kommunikation in der Automation" (KommA 2020) und des 7. Jahreskolloquiums "Bildverarbeitung in der Automation" (BVAu 2020) enthalten. Die Kolloquien fanden am 28. und 29. Oktober 2020 statt und wurden erstmalig als digitale Webveranstaltung auf dem Innovation Campus Lemgo organisiert. Die vorgestellten neuesten Forschungsergebnisse auf den Gebieten der industriellen Kommunikationstechnik und Bildverarbeitung erweitern den aktuellen Stand der Forschung und Technik. Die in den Beiträgen enthaltenen anschauliche Anwendungsbeispiele aus dem Bereich der Automation setzen die Ergebnisse in den direkten Anwendungsbezug

The export competitiveness of Mozambique's cashew nut industry: Applying Porter's diamond model

Export expansion propitiates scale economies, positive externalities, technological advancement, foreign currency earnings, and efficient resource use towards competitive advantage creation and consolidation. Fuelled by the export-driven economic growth hypothesis, some countries meet their export imperative through export promotion activities that enhance competitiveness. In this Thesis we analysed the factors influencing export competitiveness of the cashew nut industry in Mozambique. This industry is the main source of income for 1.4 million rural households. It reached in 1973 its peak global market share of 50%, having lost this position since 1975. International competitiveness analysis is needed to determine focus areas. We present results of the use of Porter’s Model whose determinants (factor conditions, demand conditions, and related industries) plus government (jointly exogenous constructs) interact and stimulate firm strategy representing competitiveness (endogenous construct). We analysed a quantitative longitudinal 80-observation secondary dataset, and a qualitative primary 310-observation dataset, collected through a structured questionnaire. We used a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) on both datasets, applying SmartPLS 3.3.9 statistical tool. Results suggest all exogenous constructs influence positively competitiveness. Factor conditions’ impact leads with highest β coefficient of 0.265. Around 89% of respondents highlighted in-shell cashew nut availability, while 82% emphasised quality. Study recommends strategies to improve in-shell cashew nut availability and quality, electricity reliability, physical infrastructure, adherence to international standards, "Zambique" brand, traceability, R&D. Strategies need to be extended to upgrading and updating of labour legislation, taxation, fiscal incentives, and tackling economy’s informality, aiming to entice bigger and faster investments for Mozambique to regain market share.A expansão da exportação propicia economias de escala, externalidades positivas, avanço tecnológico, divisas e uso eficiente dos recursos para criação e consolidação da vantagem competitiva. Alimentados pela hipótese do crescimento económico induzido pela exportação, países realizam o imperativo de exportação realizando actividades de promoção da exportação que melhoram a competitividade. Nesta Tese analisamos os factores que influenciam a competitividade das exportações da indústria do caju em Moçambique. Esta indústria é a principal fonte de renda para 1.4 milhões de famílias rurais. Ela atingiu 50% da quota de mercado global, tendo perdido esta posição desde 1975. A análise da competitividade internacional é necessária para determinar as áreas de foco. Apresentamos resultados do uso do Modelo de Porter cujos determinantes (condições dos factores, condições da procura e indústrias relacionadas) mais governo (constructos exógenos) interagem e estimulam a estratégia da firma, representante da competitividade (constructo endógeno). Analisámos um conjunto de dados quantitativos secundários de 80 observações longitudinais e outro conjunto de dados qualitativos primários recolhidos via questionário estruturado. Usámos uma modelagem da equação estrutural dos mínimos quadrados parciais em ambos os conjuntos de dados, aplicando a ferramenta estatística SmartPLS 3.3.9. Os resultados sugerem que todos os constructos exógenos influenciam positivamente a competitividade. O impacto das condições dos factores lidera com o mais alto coeficiente β=0.265. Cerca de 89% dos inquiridos destacaram a disponibilidade da castanha com casca, enquanto 82% enfatizaram a qualidade. O estudo recomenda estratégias para melhorar a disponibilidade e qualidade da castanha com casca, fiabilidade da electricidade, infra-estruturas físicas, adesão aos padrões internacionais, marca "Zambique", rastreabilidade, pesquisa e desenvolvimento. As estratégias precisam ser extensivas ao melhoramento da legislação laboral, tributação, incentivos fiscais e combate à informalidade da economia, para atrair investimentos maiores e mais rápidos para Moçambique reconquistar a quota de mercado

An institutional analysis of sasi laut in Maluku, Indonesia

This study provides an understanding of the extent and functioning of community based coastal resource management systems in Maluku province, Indonesia and suggests recommendations for national, provincial and village government to support, maintain and develop effective traditional and indigenous resource management institutions. The study has shown that the Sasi Laut has benefits that can be used as a basis for building local level management institutions.Fisheries, Co-management, Resource management, Indonesia,

Developing a Framework for a Configuration of an Irrigation System for Small-scale Farmers

Industrial Engineerin

From data to big data: the road of SMEs towards artificial intelligence

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Effective applications of microcomputer-based management information and decision support systems for small and medium sized enterprises

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.Firstly, this thesis reviews the literature on the application of microcomputer-based Management Information Systems (MISs) and Decision Support Systems (DSS) to Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs). It is found that the hardware platform today is already sufficient for SMEs. However, information regarding successful implementation of MISs for SMEs is scarce and largely fragmented. DSS requires more focused and dedicated use of information to support managerial decision making. Unfortunately, the development of DSSs for SMEs is even more backward. Yet, there is an emerging need for SMEs today because business operations have become more sophisticated under intensified competition. With this scenario in mind, the author undertook intensive questionnaire and case surveys to find out the current development and trends for the effective applications of MISs and DSSs. In 1987, the author was awarded the Oshikawa Fellowship by Asian Productivity Organisation in Tokyo and started the present research. 446 completed questionnaire survey sheets from U.K. and Hang Kong have been received and analysed. 67 SMEs and related organisations in 6 developing/developed countries were also visited. This forms the knowledge for the development of expert systems (ES) for effective applications of MIS. The approach for DSS is based on a carefully selected business game which has most of the common business decision parameters. Intensive experiment with over 100 subjects was conducted in running the game, with an average time contribution of about 20 hours/person. The findings are again consolidated and structured into an ES. Longitudinal research was conducted in 5 representative SMEs. With the use of action learning and participation of the researcher, more in-depth firsthand information were obtained and analysed. These form part of the input to the ES as well. Both ES have been validated and further improved. The experimenters find these as keys to develop MIS/DSS for SMEs. A marketing plan is suggested to launch these two products so that they can become more easily available. Finally, recommendations are made on the effective use of the ES and for further development