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Complex integrated order fulfillment technology: A holonic approach

Posted on:2010-08-11Degree:Ph.DType:Dissertation
University:Dartmouth CollegeCandidate:Kachornvitaya-Wan, ValikaFull Text:PDF
GTID:1446390002476883Subject:Engineering
Abstract/Summary:
This research ventures into areas beyond traditional control frameworks in its focus. It integrates holonic concepts into a hierarchical control framework of a complex automated order fulfillment technology. Simulation of an actual full-scale order fulfillment system is used as a test environment to assess not only performance changes. The degree of difficulty in concept implementation, or retro-fitting of the control technology is also assessed. The goal is to demonstrate the performance improvements of a "goods-to-man" logistics system by altering its controls to incorporate more flexibility and fault tolerance.;The introduction of holonic concepts results in the creation of a more decentralized and more flexible system. Most functions and stages of decision-making in the control system show improved system performance under normal operating conditions. Improvements are clearly visible in average order processing time, order stream completion time, crane utilization, and average workstation performance. More notably, performance when disturbances are present, are consistent with expectations that holonic based systems possess higher fault tolerant capabilities. While the existing control system continued to operate with significant decline in performance in the face of disturbances, the results from the holonic-based system indicates faster recovery and continued robust performance even in the presence of disturbances. Experimental results are documented and analyzed to draw conclusions from the work. Guidelines for control system retrofit in such environments are also provided.
Keywords/Search Tags:Holonic, Order fulfillment, System, Technology
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