Start of the IGF research project DeDiFlow
The DeDiFlow research project aims to specifically address the key practical restrictions of dynamic bottleneck management. On the one hand, the development of a system for retrofitting buffer level monitoring based on low-cost sensor technology for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is intended to close the data gap and combine this novel method of data collection with the further development of existing congestion detection methods. On the other hand, the project aims to supplement previously missing procedures and metrics for bottleneck diagnosis in order to derive and justify intervention measures applicable to SMEs. In addition to evaluating the frequency and severity of occurrences, the development will also include the derivation of suitable improvements, taking into account the operating conditions in manufacturing SMEs.
The initial meeting marked the official start of the collaboration between the RIF e. V. research team and the participating industry partners. The workshop consisted of three interrelated parts:
Workshop part A served to assess the current state of industry. Existing production and organizational structures, characteristics of the respective material flow systems, current system key figures, and the current technical situation in industry, in particular the degree of digitization, were analyzed.
Workshop Part B focused on the requirements for recording buffer levels, machine statuses, and system events. In addition to the current status and existing challenges, requirements for hardware, software, and process integration were systematically developed.
Workshop Part C was devoted to the identification and diagnosis of bottlenecks. Based on the problems described, requirements for methodology, visualization, and suitable metrics for bottleneck assessment were defined.
A supplementary review of the previous project also provided valuable insights and lessons learned for the upcoming project.
Special thanks go to all industry representatives for their enthusiastic participation, open discussion, and valuable technical contributions. Close involvement of practitioners is a key success factor for the project.
In principle, other companies also have the opportunity to participate in the project. Interested companies that would like to actively participate in the project committee are cordially invited to attend the next project meeting. New partners are welcome at any time.
The technical contacts for the project are:
- David Lenze - David.Lenze@aps.rif-ev.de
- Colin Müller - colin.mueller@aps.rif-ev.de
