A methodological framework for the analysis of agent-based supply chain planning simulations

Agent-based simulation is considered a promising approach for supply chain (SC) planning, configuration and design. Although there have been many important advances on how to specify, design, and implement agent-based simulation, the concerned literature does not properly addresses the analysis phase. In this early phase, SC stakeholders decide what kind of simulation experiments should be performed and their requirements, which considerably influence the whole development process and the resulting simulation environment. This work proposes an agent-based simulation framework for modeling SC systems in the analysis phase. In addition, it proposes a formal method for converting the analysis model into specification and design models. The proposed framework is being validated by means of an agent-based simulation platform developed in the context of the lumber industry.

Business Intelligence in Industry 4.0: State of the art and research opportunities

Data collection and analysis have been at the core of business intelligence (BI) for many years, but traditional BI must be adapted for the large volume of data coming from Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies. They generate large amounts of data that need to be processed and used in decision-making to generate value for the companies. Value generation of I4.0 through data analysis and integration into strategic and operational activities is still a new research topic. This study uses a systematic literature review with two objectives in mind: understanding value creation through BI in the context of I4.0 and identifying the main research contributions and gaps. Results show most studies focus on real-time applications and integration of voluminous and unstructured data. For business research, more is needed on business model transformation, methodologies to manage the technological implementation, and frameworks to guide human resources training

An agent-based strategy for deploying analysis models into specification and design for distributed APS systems

Despite the extensive use of the agent technology in the Supply Chain Management field, its integration with Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) tools still represents a promising field with several open research questions. Specifically, the literature falls short in providing an integrated framework to analyze, specify, design and implement simulation experiments covering the whole simulation cycle. Thus, this paper proposes an agent-based strategy to convert the 'analysis' models into 'specification' and 'design' models combining two existing methodologies proposed in the literature. The first one is a recent and unique approach dedicated to the 'analysis' of agent-based APS systems. The second one is a well-established methodological framework to 'specify' and 'design' agent-based supply chain systems. The proposed conversion strategy is original and is the first one allowing simulation analysts to integrate the whole simulation development process in the domain of distributed APS

An Agent-based Strategy for Deploying Analysis Models into Specification and Design for Distributed APS Systems

Despite the extensive use of the agent technology in the Supply Chain Management field, its integration with Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) tools still represents a promising field with several open research questions. Specifically, the literature falls short in providing an integrated framework to analyze, specify, design and implement simulation experiments covering the whole simulation cycle. Thus, this paper proposes an agent-based strategy to convert the 'analysis' models into 'specification' and 'design' models combining two existing methodologies proposed in the literature. The first one is a recent and unique approach dedicated to the 'analysis' of agent-based APS systems. The second one is a well-established methodological framework to 'specify' and 'design' agent-based supply chain systems. The proposed conversion strategy is original and is the first one allowing simulation analysts to integrate the whole simulation development process in the domain of distributed APS.Comment: In: International Journal of Computer Science Issues, Volume 8, Issue 3, May 2011, p.7-18, ISSN 1694-081

Integrated methodological frameworks for modelling agent-based advanced supply chain planning systems: a systematic literature review

Purpose: The objective of this paper is to provide a systematic literature review of recent developments in methodological frameworks for the modelling and simulation of agent-based advanced supply chain planning systems. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review is provided to identify, select and make an analysis and a critical summary of all suitable studies in the area. It is organized into two blocks: the first one covers agent-based supply chain planning systems in general terms, while the second one specializes the previous search to identify those works explicitly containing methodological aspects. Findings: Among sixty suitable manuscripts identified in the primary literature search, only seven explicitly considered the methodological aspects. In addition, we noted that, in general, the notion of advanced supply chain planning is not considered unambiguously, that the social and individual aspects of the agent society are not taken into account in a clear manner in several studies and that a significant part of the works are of a theoretical nature, with few real-scale industrial applications. An integrated framework covering all phases of the modelling and simulation process is still lacking in the literature visited. Research limitations/implications: The main research limitations are related to the period covered (last four years), the selected scientific databases, the selected language (i.e. English) and the use of only one assessment framework for the descriptive evaluation part. Practical implications: The identification of recent works in the domain and discussion concerning their limitations can help pave the way for new and innovative researches towards a complete methodological framework for agent-based advanced supply chain planning systems. Originality/value: As there are no recent state-of-the-art reviews in the domain of methodological frameworks for agent-based supply chain planning, this paper contributes to systematizing and consolidating what has been done in recent years and uncovers interesting research gaps for future studies in this emerging fieldPeer Reviewe

Going Beyond Blockchain Adoption\u27s Hype to Improve Supply Chain Sustainability: Evidence From Empirical and Modelling Studies

Potential solutions emerge with the fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, including the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain. The global supply chain requires greater traceability and transparency to ensure product security, efficient management and sustainable performance. However, traditional supply chains face several challenges related to traceability systems. This paper aims to analyse academic literature regarding Blockchain adoption in supply chains to improve traceability and transparency from a sustainable perspective. A systematic literature review was performed in order to provide verifiable evidence; we focused our investigation on empirical and modelling articles. Results suggest that Blockchain benefits occur through three levels: macro-level (overall supply chain network), meso-level (such as dyadic relationships) and micro-level (end consumers). However, we note that the contribution’s results have not yet reached a consensus. We have therefore proposed three research insights towards addressing the identified gaps

Going Beyond Blockchain Adoption's Hype to Improve Supply Chain Sustainability: Evidence From Empirical and Modelling Studies

Potential solutions emerge with the fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, including the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain. The global supply chain requires greater traceability and transparency to ensure product security, efficient management and sustainable performance. However, traditional supply chains face several challenges related to traceability systems. This paper aims to analyse academic literature regarding Blockchain adoption in supply chains to improve traceability and transparency from a sustainable perspective. A systematic literature review was performed in order to provide verifiable evidence; we focused our investigation on empirical and modelling articles. Results suggest that Blockchain benefits occur through three levels: macro-level (overall supply chain network), meso-level (such as dyadic relationships) and micro-level (end consumers). However, we note that the contribution’s results have not yet reached a consensus. We have therefore proposed three research insights towards addressing the identified gaps

Container scanning to reduce time of customs clearance process

One way to increase customs clearance efficiency and to assure supply chain security is the use of non-intrusive inspection equipment, such as scanners. In Brazil, scanners are new, but their use at port terminals is growing rapidly. Considering the possibility of Brazilian Customs requesting 100% scanning of loads, this study aims to assess the operational impacts of this possible request at a specific port terminal. This is the originality of this research. To do so, this study uses applied simulation methods in a case study. Results show that for the current scenario, scanners do not appear to be an operational bottleneck at this port, but the scanning capacity will be exceeded with the planned port expansion. Hence, scheduling rules for single machines were applied to optimize scanning performance. These heuristics provided good performance, suggesting that scanners can provide benefits to priority cargo handling, and could eventually increase the performance of port terminals throughout the country

Difficulties observed when implementing Total Productive Maintenance (TPM): empirical evidences from the manufacturing sector

This article analyses the difficulties observed in adopting the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) program in production systems. The research strategies used for this purpose consisted of a literature review, a panel of experts and a survey with professionals working in manufacturing companies. Altogether, 69 market professionals took part in the survey and the collected data was analyzed through the PLS-SEM technique. Results indicate that there is a causal relationship between difficulties associated with the planning phase of a TPM program and issues associated with its implementation. This is an original research and the results are valuable to business professionals desiring to properly implement TPM, as well for researchers interested in the mechanics of total productive maintenance system’s adoption