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Improvements in operations management applied to a 3D simulation connected to a physical platform

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Abstract

Logistics are a key factor for manufacturing companies in developed countries to better exploit their competitive advantages of proximity to market and flexibility. In order to improve the management of a logistics/distribution center, this paper proposes the use of control methods based on Multi-Agent Systems enhanced with Radio-Frequency Identification. However, the best way to demonstrate the benefits of using these solutions, is to apply them to a real company; but, naturally, this is impractical. In this paper, an experimental platform composed of a 3D simulation combined with a physical miniature model is used to illustrate the proposed control methods. The set-up described here has been assembled in the AUTOLOG laboratory at the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain. The design of the platform is somewhat generic, allowing adaptation to different distribution problems, but has been inspired on a real local facility. The objective of this system is to provide a test-bench to experiment with multidisciplinary theories, techniques, and algorithms that can be grouped into four areas: automation and robotics, instrumentation and control, production planning, and logistics and distribution.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Industrial Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ave. Camilo José Cela s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain

    J. C. Encinas, A. García & J. de las Morenas

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  1. J. C. Encinas
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  2. A. García
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  3. J. de las Morenas
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Correspondence to J. C. Encinas.

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Encinas, J.C., García, A. & de las Morenas, J. Improvements in operations management applied to a 3D simulation connected to a physical platform. J Intell Manuf 23, 845–856 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-010-0441-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-010-0441-0

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