Research on initiative scheduling mode for a physical internet-based manufacturing system

• Published in: International journal of advanced manufacturing technology Vol. 84; no. 1-4; pp. 47 - 58
• Main Authors: Wang, Jun-qiang, Fan, Guo-qiang, Yan, Fei-yi, Zhang, Ying-feng, Sun, Shu-dong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Springer London 01.04.2016; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: CAE) and Design; Computer-Aided Engineering (CAD; Decision making; Engineering; Industrial and Production Engineering; Internet; Mechanical Engineering; Media Management; Original Article; Production management; Production scheduling; Schedules; Structural hierarchy; T shape; Physical internet-based manufacturing system; Inter-scheduling; Scheduling behavior; Initiative scheduling; Production management and control
• ISSN: 0268-3768; 1433-3015
• DOI: 10.1007/s00170-015-7915-3

A physical internet-based manufacturing system (π-MS) converts traditionally “dumb” jobs and machines into interconnected and initiative individuals, undoubtedly enhancing changes in the production management and control strategies. This study focuses on production scheduling and explores a newly emerging scheduling mode that is adaptive to π-MS. Scheduling is categorized as passive and initiative scheduling, depending on who takes the initiative and controls the schedule-related decision-making. The definition of the initiative scheduling is provided, after which the similarities and differences of the existing definitions on scheduling are investigated. A π-shaped framework for initiative scheduling and a T-shaped framework for passive scheduling are built to investigate the relationships among the scheduling elements. The centralized and decentralized operation modes are analyzed with a hierarchical structure in passive scheduling and with a flat structure in initiative scheduling, respectively. Furthermore, individual and organizational behaviors of inter-scheduling among enabling units are explored. Finally, some future research directions are presented.