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The article addresses serverless computing and the criteria a serverless architecture must meet. Serverless computing allows developers to deploy applications as a set of functions without worrying about the underlying IT-infrastructure. This software paradigm is then used to implement a global IoT platform for numerous IoT devices in the AWS cloud.

The question of how horizontal collaboration can be achieved in the Physical Internet is so far unanswered. The advantages of collaboration do not seem to outweigh the concerns about trust and data security, which is why only a few companies focus on joint logistics activities. Instead, logistics processes are increasingly in-sourced. However, even such internalization raises questions regarding free market structures. This paper provides an overview of horizontal collaboration in logistics and to what extent in-sourcing of logistics processes might be the easier solution to implement the Physical Internet.

The manufacturing of eyeglasses is a great example of customized mass production. Its globalization results in high data and product traffic, which can only be economical if the process allows a 100 % first time lens-frame fit. TH Köln developed a machine which prints viscoelastic polymer structures on machined glass edges. This method allows a five times lower accuracy in manufacturing and improves results in mechanical tension, optics and lens fit. It has shown to be highly successful with great potential in additional sectors.

A supply chain is a worldwide network of suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses, distribution centres and retailers through which raw materials are procured, transformed and delivered to customers. In recent years, a new systems approach to supply chain management has emerged at both tactical and operational levels. It views a supply chain as an interaction of intelligent (software) agents that are responsible for one or more activities and interact with other related agents in planning and executing tasks. In this article two application examples of so-called multi-agent systems for supply chain management are presented.

Based on known deficits, the article recommends measures for a successful realization of the concept Industry 4.0 on the levels “Business”, “Functional” and “Information” of the RAMI-4.0-Framework. The technical foundations to meet the expectations of Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing are in place; a correction of the named deficits in the near future seems realistic.

The urban population is growing and with it the need to meet the emerging challenges with sustainable solutions. The concept of the Physical Internet (PI) represents such an approach, which includes a complete supply chain perspective, but also a direct effect on the urban environment. At the same time, its implementation comes with requirements for the integration into the city district, which makes it necessary to adapt various urban characteristics. This article creates a generic design framework for this.

Volatility in market demand leads to temporary over- and under-utilization of production assets and stocks. Levelling (heijunka) as a lean method aims at de-coupling production from market volatility. The production program is spread as even as possible over time. This achieves high asset utilization, short lead times, and low inventories. There are validated heijunka methods for the manufacturing industry, but for the process industry this remains a research gap. This article describes the Product Wheel and its validation at a building material manufacturer in order to close that gap.

The food production process and raw material specific parameters significantly influence the quality of the final product. Furthermore, for products with several ingredients, complex parameter effects occur. This complexity causes the desire for a production control that considers these effects and orientates on final product quality. This article describes the state of the art and derives requirements form a case study in a delicatessen food production system. In summary, this paper presents a concept for production control with special consideration of the final product quality for the production of delicatessen salads.

Modern logistic processes are still characterized by manual labour. In general, mainly unqualified or low-skilled employees are used to carry out value-added services. Individual workloads, employee skills and technical workplace equipment are linked in a developed system. By simulating the effect of changes in workplace equipment, optimizations can be identified. The self-developed algorithm can also be used in other industries.

Due to the possibility of operator intervention, semi-autonomous systems allow for a better handling of complexity than fully autonomous systems. The use of a digital twin provides a novel interface for interaction with such systems. This paper describes the implementation of the control and user interface in a system with a digital twin. It is shown how the developed control architecture can be combined with different methods of human-machine interaction and virtual training. With this extended use of the control system by a digital twin the concept can be extended beyond the operation phase and can be used in other phases of the product life cycle.