Research on initiative scheduling mode for a physical internet-based manufacturing system

A physical internet-based manufacturing system (π-MS) converts traditionally “dumb” jobs and machines into interconnected and initiative individuals, undoubtedly enhancing changes in the production management and control strategies. This study focuses on production scheduling and explores a newly emerging scheduling mode that is adaptive to π-MS. Scheduling is categorized as passive and initiative scheduling, depending on who takes the initiative and controls the schedule-related decision-making. The definition of the initiative scheduling is provided, after which the similarities and differences of the existing definitions on scheduling are investigated. A π-shaped framework for initiative scheduling and a T-shaped framework for passive scheduling are built to investigate the relationships among the scheduling elements. The centralized and decentralized operation modes are analyzed with a hierarchical structure in passive scheduling and with a flat structure in initiative scheduling, respectively. Furthermore, individual and organizational behaviors of inter-scheduling among enabling units are explored. Finally, some future research directions are presented.