Mitsumasa Sugawara

Integrated data structure and scheduling approach for manufacturing and transportation using hybrid genetic algorithm

The scheduling systems in industries are required to construct schedule considering many kind of elements. The Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) is an approach for combined problems. To realize APS system, it is important to integrate data structure and scheduling algorithm using these data. In this paper, we propose integrated data structure based on Bill of Manufacturing with information technology of XML family and new Multistage Operation-based Genetic Algorithm for scheduling subsystem. The results of numerical experiment validate effectiveness of the proposal methods.

Data transmission code towards international EDI for seafood supply chain

Abstract In recent years, business transactions through electronic data interchange (EDI) have spread globally; usefulness of EDI has been anticipated in the market. Although EDI transactions require a standard code format, various problems have occurred through use of such code in actual markets. This paper presents a new data transmission code for seafood EDI, expanding conventional standard formats of the product code. Subsequently, we present a new EDI system model using the new code which includes two main functions: product definitions and learning of code transmission. The system test in a market showed efficiency and effectiveness of the model.

Integrated scheduling using genetic algorithm with quasi-random sequences

This paper deals with an integrated scheduling which combines manufacturing and transportation. We propose a Genetic Algorithm (GA) with quasi-random sequences for solving the problem. This GA is based on the multistage operation-based Genetic Algorithm (moGA). Numerical experiments show efficiency of the proposed algorithm for solving large scale scheduling problem.

Three-layered traceability system supporting both blanching and assembly process

Under variety production circumstances, it becomes more important to manage production and distribution history information of each individual product. Information system tracing the history is generally referred to Traceability System. Traceability system has gradually obtained much attention, especially on food industries. Since the purpose of the existing traceability system is focused mainly on the consumer service, the system itself is generally independent of main management system and, therefore, the obtained traceability information may not be a contributing factor to the solution of production and distribution management problems. In this paper, we propose a three-layered traceability system, which consists of Application Service Provider, ASP, layer, Enterprise Resource Planning, ERP, layer and Physical logistics layer. A prototype system is implemented under scenario of Processed Seafood Industry.

Loss detection model with kanban card for automobile assembly line

In a modern automobile assembly line, kanban cards or e-kanban cards are used for parts supply. In the line, if a worker would assemble incorrect part to a car body, an inferior product may be shipped to the following production process. Such inferior products will be caught at the inspection process however suspension of production line will occur. In this paper, we propose a loss detection model for a work station which requires installing certain parts. Relationship between number of conveyed car bodies and consumed parts are compared to detect the loss, where we use kanban cards to count parts consumption. We present mathematical models to detect losses and some numerical examples to show stochastic performance of the proposed loss detection model.

A Multimedia Based Software for Non-Japanese to Learn Japanese Sign Language

We have designed a multimedia based system to teach basic Japanese Sign Language (JSL) to non-Japanese people under the concept of self-learning, through the functions of two modules (a Lesson and a Search module) and extensive use of multimedia. We report the prototype of our system, with which the user can workthrough a progressive series of lessons, or lookup JSL equivalents of English words, and refer to sentence examples and grammar explanations.

An interactive production planning and scheduling system for a flow-type manufacturing process

Abstract This paper presents a case study on a short-term production planning system for a flow-type manufacturing process. This system can be used to formulate a feasible production plan and schedule through a dialogue among planners, with the aid of computers, to combine their respective abilities. The system was applied to a condenser manufacturing industry with a dynamic product mix consisting of both standard and non-standard products. The proposed system can be extended to other manufacturing environments.

Traceability Information Management System for Composite Production Process

Much attention is now being paid to traceability systems which provide information on the production and distribution history of a product, especially in the food industry. Since the purpose of the system is focused on consumer service, the system is generally independent of a main management system, and therefore, the obtained traceability information is not applicable to the solution of production and distribution management problems. For example, dispatching the order information of parts, which is necessary to the traceability system, has generally been managed in MRP modules. Furthermore, sharing rigid inventory information of an individual product, which is easily obtained from the traceability system, can enlarge and extend the performance of supply chain management (SCM) systems. Horikawa et al. (2005) proposed a traceability information system which cooperates with ERP. The system comprises three-layered modules, namely physical logistics layer, ERP layer and independent data management layer. Traceability is realised with an information exchange among the three layers. This structure has the advantage over other applications at practical level as it replaces some modules to more suitable components such as more commonly available ERP package.

Loss-detection model with Kanban card and its performance considering mixed loss

In modern assembly lines, it is commonly observed that a worker chooses some adequate part from several parts racks and assembles a product. To enhance performance and quality of such processes, it is important to confirm that an adequate part is selected. To address that problem, we proposed a loss-detection model using Kanban cards. However, the model presents some problem such as types of loss occurrences. As described herein, we present a new discrete-time Markov Chain model to describe the loss types. The model performance is presented using numerical experiments. Furthermore, results show that undetected-loss risk becomes the maximum when the transition probabilities are identical.

Development of traceability system for attribute information identification

In this paper, we introduce a traceability system which consists of three layers: Physical Logistics, ERP and Independent Data Management layers. Physical Logistics layer manages and records information which allocates production plan and material inventories. ERP layer deals with main core of business information, such as order, purchase, production and shipment. At Independent Data Management layer, entire information is gathered both from ERP layer and Physical Logistics layer. Independent Data management layer also produce inter-company traceability information. We have implemented an experimental prototype system and applied to tradings data based on seafood supply chain scenario. Each material and product is identified with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. Users including consumers can obtain precise traceability information such as manufacturing and distribution through web application. We have applied purchase information for 8 weeks at distributors to the system and confirmed that the system works accurately.