Simulationsgestützte Analyse eines Wertstroms als Beitrag zu nachhaltigen Produktions- und Logistiksystemen von KMUs

In crises, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are under more significant pressure than large companies. However, SMEs are more adaptable to changes caused by external influences. To leverage this strength, the focus is on increasing transparency, identifying bottlenecks in the material flow, and evaluating a defined target state of the material flow based on company-specific key performance indicators (KPIs) for sustainable production. Varieties of different methods are suitable for determining these KPIs. In this paper, a simulation-based analysis is performed to determine such indicators. For this purpose, an application example from practice illustrates these methods' applicability to increase the SMEs' adaptability to external influencing factors. First, a value stream analysis of the current state of the material flow is performed. Based on the results, suggestions for changes are given and implemented in a new optimized value stream. A simulation study compares the new value stream with the current one

Blockchain technology as the backbone of the internet of things – An introduction to blockchain devices

While the number of blockchain ecosystems is growing, enterprises are confronted with the decision on how data can be securely and reliably transferred to blockchains. Even though current blockchain solutions proof to be a secure way for cross-enterprise data exchange, the data entries and respective devices might still be tampered and therefore build the focal point of this paper. To give an introduction to blockchain devices, current definitions and relevant device configurations, network connections and communication opportunities are gathered through a systematic literature research. The findings are then clustered and discussed with blockchain experts in a semi-structured interview series. Finally, the paper presents a characterization scheme for blockchain devices in form of a multi-dimensional taxonomy and concludes with further research needs. The outcome of the paper also contributes to practice as the taxonomy may also be used as a basis for management decisions