Finite capacity flow control in a multi-stage/multi-product environment
Abstract Hierarchical Production Management uses different decision levels and handles a different model at each of these levels. The model of the top level leads usually to a continuous flow control problem under finite capacities. Here we study the problem of minimizing in-process inventory cost under finite capacity constraints and for a continuous time varying demand. The multi-product problem is examined. We finally propose a numerical application to illustrate the analytical results.
Developing concepts to support cognitive work in a future complex sociotechnical system requires an approach, and supporting analytical tools, with the power to provide design insights for first-of-a-kind systems. This work explored using a work-centred, constraint-based design framework to identify design requirements and propose design concepts for a future, optimized Joint Fires Coordination (JFC) capability for the Canadian Forces. The approach builds on adapting techniques from Cognitive Systems Engineering to model the work constraints of the JFC system and on using the information to systematically identify several hundred design concepts related to its process, technology and organizational structure.