Output details

An agent-based approach for integrating manufacturing operations

Traditionally decisions for manufacturing planning and systems design rely on different methodologies, making it impossible to support systems that are dynamically integrated. This paper solved this problem, enabling complex manufacturing systems to self-structure in response to changes [Prof George Huang, University of Hong Kong, gqhuang@hku.hk]. The work has strongly influenced other researchers (e.g., Pierreval, LIMOS-UMR, henri.pierreval@ifma.fr, handling disruptions in manufacturing systems), and is the basis of a major collaboration involving IBM, Lanner and 20+ companies on social network based innovation and manufacturing (twaller@lanner.co.uk). Its application into resource planning in J+S Ltd led to delivery lead-time reduction by 15% (Eric.Abretti@jands.co.uk).