Scheduling Algorithms & Mobile Solutions
A significant part of MJC˛'s success has been driven by the development of new tools and scheduling algorithms which are directly applicable to the e-supplyChain arena. Much of this work has been in collaboration with our research partners, and has been supported and funded by the European Commission:
Advanced Freight Security
SAFEPOST
Enhanced postal operations security, express logistics & operations optimization
CONTAIN
Secure multi-modal corridor design, container security tracking, real-time decision support
Real-time Freight Supply Chain
eMAR
Real-time e-maritime data, logistics optimization
e-Freight
Intermodal optimization algorithms, dynamic planning
FLAGSHIP
Real-time scheduling algorithm, inventory optimization
e-Commerce & Dynamic Supply Chain
IN-TIME
e-supplyChain factory optimization
TERPSICHORE
Supply scheduling, mobile agents
SCHEDULEZ
Manufacturing & production optimization
VISION
e-commerce & distributed databases.
Advanced HCI & Mobile Data Solutions
AGAMEMNON
3G technology, real-time scheduling algorithms
PAST
Guiding & presentation optimization, mobile computing
ADEPT
Intuitive user interfaces, advanced HCI design
SAFEPOST: International Postal Security Optimization
SAFEPOST addresses the re-use and development of security knowledge assets for international postal supply chains. Innovative new optimization techniques will be applied to postal logistics operations to increase efficiency and transparency in the supply chain.
CONTAIN: Intermodal Container Freight Security
CONTAIN focuses on a European Shipping Containers Surveillance system encompassing regulatory, policy and standardisation recommendations, new business models and advanced container security management capabilities. The CONTAIN project will demonstrate Secure Multimodal Corridor Design and Chain Monitoring & Control across international and European corridors. The CONTAIN consortium is multidisciplinary, including security systems integrators, telecommunication companies, international security solution providers, ports, ship, rail and road transport service providers, transport ICT solution providers, researchers and consultancies.
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eMAR: e-Maritime Strategic Framework
eMAR will make maritime transport safer, more secure, more environmentally friendly and more competitive by increasing automation of operational processes particularly compliance management and facilitate the streaming of synthesised information from disparate sources to assist decision making and logistics optimization.
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e-Freight: Intermodal Scheduling
e-Freight focuses on facilitating the use of different transport modes for optimal sustainable utilisation of freight transport resources. The e-Freight multi-modal logistics optimization tools enable strategic and real-time planning of freight transport networks.
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FLAGSHIP: Real-time Optimization Algorithms
FLAGSHIP focuses on improving safety, environmental friendliness and competitiveness of the European maritime transport industry. MJC˛'s role within the consortium is to develop a real-time container scheduling algorithm to improve the efficiency & safety of port and land-based transport operations, while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact of these activities.
Benefits include reduced empty kilometres, better utilisation of haulier resources, less congestion in ports and terminals, reduced container inventories, smaller carbon footprint, less noise, less air pollution, reduced queuing on public roads and faster response times. MJC˛ has developed real-time optimization algorithms which can plan thousands of container movements in seconds while taking account of complex operational rules and constraints. This makes the software applicable to even the largest and most complex port operations.
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AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON uses 3G mobile phones to provide visitors to archaeological sites and museums with an interactive electronic guide that schedules the user around the site based on their interests and preferences. As the user moves around the site, intelligent pattern recognition systems automatically identify the location of the user. Information about nearby features and exhibits is presented in a multimedia format. Furthermore, AGAMEMNON actively manages the movement of visitors around the site. By knowing the location of each visitor, AGAMEMNON can assess possible crowding problems and responds by dynamically re-scheduling routes in real-time to ensure that crowding at a particular location is minimised. The AGAMEMNON consortium recently attended a workshop at Genova to promote the results of the project.
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VISION: e-commerce solutions
VISION is the development of internet-based technology to accelerate industrial development and reconversion in Europe. An international brokerage system is being developed to increase the efficiency of communication between start-up companies, venture capitalists, technopoles, professional services and potential business partners.
The planning system is structured around an e-enabled database, and is driven by an intelligent browser interface to formulate queries or search for new partners. Multi-language functionality is supported and secure internet transaction protocols are used.
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IN-TIME
The objective of the IN-TIME project is to streamline the timber industry by developing new e-commerce methods and production scheduling systems and using them in conjunction with innovative materials handling/storage techniques. This will enable the supplier and customer to work in closer collaboration, greatly reducing lead times on orders while improving manufacturing efficiency.
The IN-TIME e-commerce infrastructure addresses a multi-node supply network, in which players act both as suppliers and customers. IN-TIME creates an e-collaborative network which facilitates rapid management of the supply chain, both within an organisation and across company boundaries.
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PAST
The PAST project focuses on using and developing wireless communications and internet technology to provide an on-line handheld electronic guide to archaeological sites. The guide will schedule the visitor's path around the site, based on time available, interest level, expertise, etc., and will provide detailed information about the site via a browser linked by wireless network to a remote XML database. Using GPS (or other positional) information the pages relevant to the current location are displayed and the visitor's path around the site is dynamically rescheduled.
TERPSICHORE
The garments and textiles industry is characterised by a complex supply chain and volatile sales profiles. Typically each of the many steps in the manufacturing process (spinning, weaving, dyeing, etc.) is done by a different company, and the associated supply network is complex and usually international.
The TERPSICHORE project has re-engineered the whole business process by developing and implementing new e-commerce technology to create an internet-linked 'virtual factory' in which the separate industrial partners form part of an integrated supply network. Information is passed between corporate systems by secure mobile agents, transferring order and stock details automatically along the whole supply chain.
An integrated stock-balancing and manufacturing scheduling system allows the 'virtual production line' to be planned on a dynamic basis by interaction with the mobile agents. Thus production and stocking levels can be optimized over the entire production network simultaneously, and response to new orders (or production problems) can take place within a matter of minutes.
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SCHEDULEZ
The ScheduleZ project produced a set of scheduling tools for manufacturers and distributors of short shelf-life and fast turnover products. The toolset can be used to model manufacturing strategies and to configure production planning/scheduling systems. The toolset includes finite capacity scheduling blueprints, graphical configuration toolsets and libraries, and OO tools for co-operative interaction with SCADA systems.
ADEPT
The ADEPT (Advanced Design Environment for Prototyping and Task modelling) project focused on the development of a sophisticated approach for designing user interfaces to sophisticated software toolsets. The key is to establish a framework of intuitive, easy-to-use interface modules which give the user the ability to use the software system with minimal training.
By focusing on the user and the way they will interact with the task modelling system it is possible to rapidly develop intuitive interface components for complex systems. Perhaps the most vital aspect of a system is its usability. Extensive training of staff when a new system is installed is costly, and a poorly designed user interface leads to resentment and unwillingness from the end user. ADEPT provides a system for optimizing the design of the interface to ensure that it has concepts and terminology which are familiar to the user.
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