Vladimir Brayman

Repair-control of enterprise systems using RFID sensory data

Abstract This paper presents an architecture for implementing real-time enterprise planning, scheduling and control processes based on information provided by radio frequency identification (RFID) sensing systems. It introduces a new paradigm, called repair, for modeling enterprise processes that is based on the idea of incremental performance improvements and disruption minimization. The proposed model is expressed using differential equations with discontinuous right-hand sides. The repair framework is suitable for implementing enterprise feedback control systems that can easily be interfaced with an existing enterprise resource planning infrastructure. RFID sensing systems have the potential to provide the real-time data needed to implement enterprise feedback functionality.

Enterprise Dynamics Via Non-Equilibrium Membrane Models

This paper describes a distributed dynamic model of enterprise systems via a network of elements which are abstractions of biological membranes. Membrane characteristics such as active sites controlling the flow of substances correspond to local feedback laws in the elements of the supply chain of the enterprise. Flow conservation and chemical reactions of substances across the membrane are abstracted to represent component flow interaction in the supply chain. The model characteristics are illustrated with a simulation example. This model methodology is completely encodable. It provides a blueprint for highly automated model generation of enterprise systems, and for on-line generation of continuous repair implementations of planning, scheduling and execution applications. The proposed embedded distributed control system allows for the realization of diverse optimization strategies because a given criterion is approximated by a generic criterion via the penalty method. The control system also satisfies network element constraints and inter-element synchronization requirements.

Optimization of Algorithmic Parameters using a Meta-Control Approach*

Optimization algorithms usually rely on the setting of parameters, such as barrier coefficients. We have developed a generic meta-control procedure to optimize the behavior of given iterative optimization algorithms. In this procedure, an optimal continuous control problem is defined to compute the parameters of an iterative algorithm as control variables to achieve a desired behavior of the algorithm (e.g., convergence time, memory resources, and quality of solution). The procedure is illustrated with an interior point algorithm to control barrier coefficients for constrained nonlinear optimization. Three numerical examples are included to demonstrate the enhanced performance of this method.

Decentralized Dual-Based Algorithm for Computing Optimal Flows in a General Supply Chain

This paper addresses the issue of the optimal flow allocation in general supply chains. Our basic observation is that a distribution channel involving several reselling steps for a particular product can be viewed as a route in a supply chain network. The flow of goods or services along each route is influenced by the customers demand, described by the corresponding utility functions, and prices charged at each node. We develop an optimization algorithm based on the primal-dual framework and the Newtons step that computes optimal prices at each node (dual problem) and then computes the optimal flow allocation (primal problem) based on these prices. Our main contribution is a discovery that the Newtons step leads to a partially decentralized algorithm which is a first step toward a decentralization schema for computing optimal prices.

Repair-Control of Enterprise Systems Using RFID Sensory Data

Abstract This paper describes a framework for implementing real-time enterprise planning, scheduling and control processes based on information provided by RFID sensing systems. The proposed framework is based on optimal control algorithms, and interfaces with existing ERP infrastructure. The objective is to respond autonomously to changes in the enterprise using a feedback configuration that minimizes disruptions. RFID sensing systems have the potential to provide the real time data needed to implement enterprise feedback functionality. The central concept presented in the paper is a real time repair schema implemented in a distributed architecture, that utilizes dynamical models described by differential equations with piece-wise continuous solutions.

Application of the Kohn-Nerode Control Law Extraction Procedure to the Inverted Pendulum Problem

The Kohn-Nerode control law extraction procedure offers an innovative way of formulating and solving a Hybrid System problem. The present paper is an attempt to show the main components of the method using the inverted pendulum as an example.