Development and implementation of a knowledge-based system for the dynamic scheduling of a two-stage production process

In global supply chain, the scheduling problems of large products such as ships, airplanes, space shuttles, assembled constructions, and/or automobiles are complicated by nature. New scheduling systems are often developed in order to reduce inherent computational complexity. As a result, a problem can be decomposed into small sub-problems, problems that contain independently small scheduling systems integrating into the initial problem. As one of the authors experienced, DAS (Daewoo Shipbuilding Scheduling System) has adopted a two-layered hierarchical architecture. In the hierarchical architecture, individual scheduling systems composed of a high-level dock scheduler, DAS-ERECT and low-level assembly plant schedulers, DAS-PBS, DAS-3DS, DAS-NPS, and DAS-A7 try to search the best schedules under their own constraints. Moreover, the steep growth of communication technology and logistics enables it to introduce distributed multi-nation production plants by which different parts are produced by designated plants. Therefore vertical and lateral coordination among decomposed scheduling systems is necessary. No standard coordination mechanism of multiple scheduling systems exists, even though there are various scheduling systems existing in the area of scheduling research. Previous research regarding the coordination mechanism has mainly focused on external conversation without capacity model. Prior research has heavily focuses on agent-based coordination in the area of agent research. Yet, no scheduling domain has been developed. Previous research regarding the agent-based scheduling has paid its ample attention to internal coordination of scheduling process, a process that has not been efficient. In this study, we suggest a general framework for agent-based coordination of multiple scheduling systems in global supply chain. The purpose of this study was to design a standard coordination mechanism. To do so, we first define an individual scheduling agent responsible for their own plants and a meta-level coordination agent involved with each individual scheduling agent. We then suggest variables and values describing the individual scheduling agent and meta-level coordination agent. These variables and values are represented by Backus-Naur Form. Second, we suggest scheduling agent communication protocols for each scheduling agent topology classified into the system architectures, existence or nonexistence of coordinator, and directions of coordination. If there was a coordinating agent, an individual scheduling agent could communicate with another individual agent indirectly through the coordinator. On the other hand, if there was not any coordinating agent existing, an individual scheduling agent should communicate with another individual agent directly. To apply agent communication language specifically to the scheduling coordination domain, we had to additionally define an inner language, a language that suitably expresses scheduling coordination. A scheduling agent communication language is devised for the communication among agents independent of domain. We adopt three message layers which are ACL layer, scheduling coordination layer, and industry-specific layer. The ACL layer is a domain independent outer language layer. The scheduling coordination layer has terms necessary for scheduling coordination. The industry-specific layer expresses the industry specification. Third, in order to improve the efficiency of communication among scheduling agents and avoid possible infinite loops, we suggest a look-ahead load balancing model which supports to monitor participating agents and to analyze the status of the agents. To build the look-ahead load balancing model, the status of participating agents should be monitored. Most of all, the amount of sharing information should be considered. If complete information is collected, updating and maintenance cost of sharing information will be increasing although the frequency of communication will be decreasing. Therefore the level of detail and updating period of sharing information should be decided contingently. By means of this standard coordination mechanism, we can easily model coordination processes of multiple scheduling systems into supply chain. Finally, we apply this mechanism to shipbuilding domain and develop a prototype system which consists of a dock-scheduling agent, four assembly- plant-scheduling agents, and a meta-level coordination agent. A series of experiments using the real world data are used to empirically examine this mechanism. The results of this study show that the effect of agent-based platform on coordinated scheduling is evident in terms of the number of tardy jobs, tardiness, and makespan.

Scheduling processes have been applied to a wide range of application areas, such as scheduling tasks in operating systems, scheduling facilities at airports, scheduling assembly lines in production, scheduling resources in project management, timetabling in public transportation, and scheduling activities in cyber-physical systems. In general, scheduling problems are not trivial to solve effectively and efficiently. Design and implementation of scheduling software is expensive and time-consuming. This dissertation makes three main contributions: First, we have adopted a feature-oriented Software Product Line Engineering (SPLE) approach. If applied correctly, the SPLE approach provides more economic solutions in case a family of products is developed instead of one product. Companies that develop scheduling systems generally implement product families. After an extensive domain analysis of the theory, the common and variable “features” have been defined. By choosing and configuring the right set of “features”, the designers can efficiently define scheduling systems according to their needs. As a second contribution, to convert the abstract definitions into executable programs, we have designed and implemented an “application framework” called First Scheduling Framework (FSF). We consider reusability and dynamic extensibility as two quality attributes of the framework. To this end, generic “constraint-solvers” are adopted to translate the predefined “scheduling constraints” into the “constraint-language” of the corresponding solver and to use them to solve the translated problem. We have extended our implementation using MDE (Model-Driven Engineering) techniques so that “feature-oriented” models can be easily converted to the abstractions of the “application framework”. As a third contribution, we have expanded our “feature-oriented” approach to a general “model optimization framework”. Scheduling systems can be influenced by many contextual factors, such as the desire for lower energy consumption, more precise computation, and dealing with certain hardware limitations. Due to contextual factors, it can be very difficult to define an optimal system that gives the best compromise for such multiple concerns. For this purpose, we propose OptML Framework, which accepts different models representing the contextual factors in the language of ECORE in the MDE environment and calculates the optimal models that meet user-defined requirements.

In this study, a data mining technique and a genetic algorithm are applied to an automatic course scheduling system to produce course timetables that best suit studentspsila and teacherspsila needs. Course scheduling in colleges and universities is a highly complicated task for satisfying multiple constraints. Conventional course scheduling is done mainly from the schoolpsilas point of view, such that courses and timetables are planned according to the characteristics of individual departments and institutes, with little attention to studentspsila interests and their needs in career development. This study develops a practical automatic course scheduling system based on studentspsila needs, wherein the course scheduling process is divided into two stages. In the first stage, studentspsila needs in course selection are considered and an association among courses selected by students is mined using the association mining technique; while in the second stage, the genetic algorithm is used to arrange the course timetable. More particularly, this study is based on studentspsila willingness in course selection, analyzes the effects of course arrangement in different class periods on studentspsila learning performance, takes into account teacherspsila preferred schedules, determines the cost function value of each class period, and then applies the genetic algorithm for class period exchange, so as to produce an optimal course timetable. It is shown in the experiment results that the automatic course scheduling system proposed in this study not only can efficiently replace the onerous operation of conventional manual course scheduling, but also produce course timetables that truly fulfill userspsila needs and increase studentspsila and teacherspsila satisfaction, thereby providing a win-win-win solution for students, teachers and the school.

Scheduling is the most important thing in Instasi, at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center hotel. In this system AC maintenance scheduling is intended for staff technicians at BNDCC hotels. In BNDCC, scheduling still uses a manual system using bookkeeping so that ac maintenance scheduling takes a long time and the resulting schedule information is less effective because the process tends to take a long time and the information generated is less accurate. The purpose of this study is to apply a genetic algorithm to solve optimization problems in scheduling ac maintenance. Genetic algorithms present candidate solutions randomly, then evaluate using the fitness function and then do a selection, then cross-move and mutase. After a few generations the genetic algorithm produces the best schedule. Scheduling In making this scheduling system uses the development of the waterfall method and is designed using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) with the Hypertext Prepprocessing (php) programming language and MySQL as a database. In the scheduling system it has a generate function that generates an AC maintenance schedule automatically. With the scheduling system, the scheduling process can be done quickly and effectively. Besides the scheduling system that is built to display the overall schedule, namely Day, Time, Room, Technician and Job. At the final stage of testing, the system is tested using the blackbox testing method and all tests performed have obtained the appropriate results.

This research focuses on the development and implementation of a web-based citizen data management system in Keboan Anom Village, Sidoarjo, Indonesia. The aim of the study is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of citizen data recording and management processes. The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Waterfall model is employed as the methodology for system development, ensuring an organized and systematic approach. Data collection involves semi-structured interviews and unstructured observations, targeting the village's RT 01 (neighborhood association) officials. The application features two key functions: citizen registration, including permanent and non-permanent residents, and a comprehensive data summary. Access to these functions is limited to the RT Secretary and the RT Chairman. The implementation of the system provides improved data management and financial tracking capabilities, enabling simplified reporting. The web-based platform ensures accessibility for RT officials and residents with internet connectivity. Black box testing confirms the functionality of the website and its compliance with expected outputs. The results demonstrate that the application supports the transformation of Keboan Anom Village into a more efficient and technologically connected Digital Village. Future research is suggested to examine community participation levels in using the citizen data management application and its impact on decision-making and overall village governance, incorporating participatory approaches to understand the perspectives and active involvement of Keboan Anom Village residents.
 Highlight:
 
 Efficient citizen data management: The development of a web-based application for citizen data management in Desa Keboan Anom enables efficient recording and documentation of resident information, improving data accuracy and accessibility.
 Technological transformation: The implementation of the web-based system contributes to the realization of a Digital Village concept, facilitating efficient and technology-connected administration in Desa Keboan Anom, Sidoarjo.
 Participatory approach: Future research should focus on evaluating community participation levels and the impact of the citizen data management application on decision-making and overall village governance, utilizing a participatory approach to gain insights and foster active involvement of Keboan Anom Village residents.
 
 Keyword:
 Keboan Anom Village, Citizen Data Management, Web-Based Application, Efficiency, Participatory Approach

: The course scheduling process is labor intensive throughout the Naval Education and Training Command. This process entails generation and maintaining of schedules to meet planned input requirements, subject to the suitability/availability of instructors, training devices, and classroom facilities. The process is further complicated by nonuniform course lengths and start dates, varying class sizes, student/instructor ratios, course resource interactions and dependencies, and delays in resource acquisitions. The purpose of this report is to present the Training Management System (TMS) course scheduling system and to provide a user's guide for the operation of the system. The course scheduling system provides an easy and efficient means of handling the large volume of data necessary to generate a feasible schedule for courses in a schoolhouse. The system is highly interactive and user oriented and is intended for use at the schoolhouse level. The program software is written in BASIC-2 and is designed to operate on a Wang 2200 system. (Author)

Anaerobic digestion of skim latex serum (SLS) for hydrogen and methane production using a two-stage process in a series of up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor

Process planning output can be post-processed into criteria for job scheduling decisions in printed circuit board assembly using surface-mount technology (SMT). Artificial intelligence-based techniques used in computerized planning and scheduling systems in other industries can be extended to printed circuit board operations. These techniques include blackboard architectures, object-oriented programming systems, and nonmonotonic reasoning systems. These techniques were used to demonstrate a unique architecture of blackboard systems that communicate via object-oriented messages to arrive at a shop-floor process plan and production schedule. The methodology was specialized to the assembly of printed circuit boards using surface-mounted components in a high-variety/low-volume product mix. The assembly facility was represented as a hierarchical object of product, process, and organizational knowledge. The system of working heuristics was integrated within a prototype environment with the practitioners that assisted in its development. The end result is a good working methodology for system development, implementation, and maintenance by knowledge worker involvement.

A Scheduling system shall support the human scheduler in his daily work in creating and revising schedules of the production. Several criteria influence the requirements for such a system, e.g., the area of production and the preferences of the producing company as well as the need for presentation of specific information and sophisticated scheduling algorithms. Most of the existing scheduling systems have been built from scratch. To improve the building of scheduling systems an intelligent support system for the implementation of hybrid scheduling systems is presented which integrates different scheduling techniques, knowledge about their appropriateness for specific problem scenarios and knowledge about the design of scheduling systems. Using this knowledge it helps the user designing adequate scheduling systems for different application scenarios.

The development of an online knowledge-based expert system for machinability data selection

The Department of Defense has defined C4I architectures in terms of operational, system, and technical architectures. The definition, implementation, and successful fielding of systems which are compliant with the architectural framework depends on the successful determination and refinement of first, the operational architecture and second the articulation of the system architecture. System architecture is an amalgamation of both the technical requirements as determined by the technical architecture and the operational requirements as defined in the operational architecture. The US Army CECOM RDEC under the auspices of the Combined Arms Command and Control (CAC2) Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) has developed and refined a process by which the operational users can articulate their operational architecture in terms which are useful to the material development community and then ultimately provide feedback to the technical solutions provided by a disciplined system engineering process. The CECOM RDEC has pioneered efforts relating to the use of various modeling tools and laboratory assets to provide analysis of current and emerging tactical communications infrastructures. The paper explains the CECOM system architecture process and how it can be adapted to the joint arena. A key to understanding this process is an explanation of the process by which designers of communications architectures can identify and define the joint operational C4I requirements for military operations.

Knowledge-based system for railway scheduling

Scheduling an access service team made up of full-time staff and student workers to ensure a consistent coverage of service points is an important but time-consuming task for access service managers in academic libraries. In order to streamline the redundant efforts and to engage student workers in the scheduling process, the author “built” a scheduling system with a suite of free Google applications, aiming at cutting down schedule-related email exchanges, and booking work shifts directly into student workers’ personal time management tools. A survey among the student workers after 4 months of implementation indicated that this system successfully improved scheduling efficiency and work attendance by motivating the student workers to proactively plan their priorities using online time management tools.

: Throughout the Naval Education and Training Command (NAVEDTRACOM), generation and maintenance of a feasible schedule for Navy training courses is labor-intensive. Minimal guidance is provided, resulting in scheduling processes subject to the vagaries of individual style and competency. In view of these problems, an effort is being made to develop a scheduling methodology that will assist Navy training-complex personnel in achieving an optimal/quasi-optimal schedule in a quick and easy way. The Automated Course Scheduling System (ACSS) was developed to relieve Naval training personnel from the burden of the labor-intensive scheduling process and provide them with the capability of studying all possible schedules to achieve better utilization of school resources. The ACSS is a high-level, interactive, and user-oriented system intended for use at the school level. Its design is based on limited and low-cost hardware requirements. The system can be implemented readily on a Wang 2200 system with a dual floppy diskette drive and requires a memory of 16-K bytes. With the support of a number of data bases, the ACSS can be used to perform: (1) random retrieval of training-course data; (2) feasibility assessment of training demands under available resources, (3) documentation of schedule work sheets, and (4) editing and printing of schedules. Presently the research effort is directed toward evaluating and field-testing the system.

Dynamic intelligent scheduling and control of reconfigurable parallel architectures for computer vision/image processing