Research: Scheduling Algorithms & Mobile Solutions

A significant part of MJC²'s success has been through our development of new tools and optimization 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 strongly supported and funded by the European Commission.

A summary of our major research projects is given below. For information about our commercial optimisation systems, covering real-time scheduling, vehicle routing, lean manufacturing scheduling, advanced planning and supply chain optimisation and workflow management please click on the links at the top of this page.

• FLAGSHIP : real-time scheduling algorithm, inventory optimisation techniques
• AGAMEMNON : 3G technology, real-time scheduling algorithms
• VISION : e-commerce, distributed databases
• IN-TIME : production scheduling, e-commerce, e-SupplyChain, lean manufacturing
• PAST : wireless technology, XML databases, mobile computing
• TERPSICHORE : e-supplyChain scheduling, mobile agent technology
• SCHEDULEZ : manufacturing scheduling
  
• ADEPT : intuitive user interfaces and HCI design

FLAGSHIP: Real-time Optimization Algorithms

FLAGSHIP focuses on improving safety, environmental friendliness and competitiveness of the European maritime transport industry. MJC²'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. MJC² 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. For more information about the FLAGSHIP project please see the FLAGSHIP website or the MJC² FLAGSHIP page.

FLAGSHIP is cofunded by the European Union and we are very grateful to the European Commission for their support.

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. For more information please click here.

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.

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.

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 optimised over the entire production network simultaneously, and response to new orders (or production problems) can take place within a matter of minutes.

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.

Further details can be obtained from the European Commission documentation for ScheduleZ.

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 optimising the design of the interface to ensure that it has concepts and terminology which are familiar to the user.

Please email us for more information.

Distribution Software - Manufacturing Planning - Scheduling - Realtime Dispatch - Inventory Optimisation - Employee Scheduling

Mobile Workforce Management - Planning Scheduling - Supply Chain Management - Optimization Software - Planning Software

Routing - Demand Forecasting - Decision Support Systems - Operations Planning - Interactive Guides - Advanced Planning