From the World of the Chair of Factory Planning and Intralogistics
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Building interdisciplinary research bridges
The Associate Researcher Mario Henrique Bueno Moreira Callefi recently visited the Department of Process Engineering at the University of Pannonia, in Veszprém, Hungary. The visit aimed to explore opportunities for future research collaborations, with a special focus on qualitative research approaches and causality analysis models. During the visit, promising directions for joint academic work were discussed, particularly in areas involving content analysis and the use of digital tools to support qualitative inquiry. As part of the exchange, Dr. Callefi also conducted a brief presentation on the NVivo software and demonstrated how it can be effectively applied to content analysis to enhance the rigor and structure of research processes. The interaction marked an essential step towards strengthening international cooperation and building interdisciplinary research bridges between institutions.
Research Paper on Environmental Sustainability Voted Best Paper 2024
PRESS RELEASE - RESEARCH
Environmental sustainability is a main research topic in supply chain management, including sustainable, green, closed-loop, and circular supply chain management concepts. Our paper "On cost and revenue in circular supply chains: Where to close the loop?” has now been named the best research paper of 2024 by the journal Cleaner Logistics and Supply Chain. The study assessed cost and revenue sharing by analytically modeling monetary flows in linear and circular multi-tier supply chains. Results show that firms upstream of the loop-closer are negatively affected by the reuse of material. Press release
Mini-conference of POMS 2025 co-organized
The Chair of Factory Planning and Intralogistics is once again supporting the organization of the POMS College of Operational Excellence (OPEX) mini-conference, which will take place on May 8, 2025, in Atlanta. The mini-conference will feature a keynote speech by Elliot Bendoly on "Skeptical Adaptability: Systematic thoughtfulness when confronting uncertainty, change and new technological opportunities" as well as pitches for the best paper award. The best paper award was organized by our chair this year. The POMS conference is one of the world's most important conferences on production and supply chain management.
Chemnitz Mechanical Engineers Receive Award for Scientific Publication
PRESS RELEASE - RESEARCH
“International Journal of Production Research" selects paper on the use of simulation for resilience assessment as "Top Trending Article 2024" - Article shows how resilience can be captured with computer simulation to prepare for dealing with unforeseeable events Press release
Top cited paper in 2024
As we look back on 2024, our article "Beyond Industry 4.0 - integrating Lean, digital technologies and people" was highlighted as one of the three most cited papers in the International Journal of Operations & Production Management - and essential reading for anyone in the field. The study brings a new theoretical perspective to the integration of Lean with Industry 4.0-related digital technologies. The results go beyond the usual view of improving operational performance and dig into the effects on workers. It also shows that the integration process relies on and can enhance human capabilities such as learning and problem-solving.
Live simulation example
As part of the lecture „Simulation of Production and Logistics Systems“ we organized a guest lecture by Prof. Sławomir Kłos from the University of Zielona Góra. He gave an insight into the use of simulation tools as a research methodology. Together with the students, there was first a short theoretical excursus on possible questions and the methodological approach. We then discussed influencing parameters and their effects in a live demonstration using an example.
Visit from the University of Pannonia
How Lean 4.0 and Operator 4.0 combine to create Industry 5.0 is a challenging question for many companies. Dr. Tuan-anh Tran from the University of Pannonia in Hungary discussed this question providing many practical examples on how sensor technology, algorithms and smart applications can enhance worker capabilities. During his visit in January 2025, we had also the opportunity to present our Experimental and Digital Factory. This triggered many interesting discussions and future cooperation possibilities with the learning factory at Dr Tran’s home institution.
A well-rounded affair: Bowling with the team
We have found the ideal after-work sport for relaxing and socializing. At our chair's Christmas bowling event, the focus was not on strikes, spares and frames, but simply on having a good time with colleagues. Some had a flow, others more miss and some had sore muscles during the game - but all of us had a lot of fun together. The evening meal was followed by a few rounds of Junk Secret Santa. This time scented gifts were particularly popular. Summed up, our 1st Christmas bowling was a well-rounded affair.
Keynote Speech "Frequency Fitness Assignment"
Dr. Thomas WEISE, author of more than 120 peer-reviewed academic papers and the best-selling introductory text book "Global Optimization Algorithms - Theory and Application", introduced different optimization algorithms and his latest frequency fitness assignment module on Friday 29th 2024. Thomas, who holds a MSc degree in computer science from TU Chemnitz, is now full Professor of Hefei University (China) and became the founding director of the Institute of Applied Optimization. During his talk we had interesting discussions about the intersection of optimiziation, machine learning, and simulation. We also discussed exchange possibilities and future research.
Bridging the gap at ISM 2024
We are proud to share that our colleagues, Daniel Seifert and Mario Henrique Callefi, presented their research at the prestigious ISM 2024, showcasing groundbreaking contributions to advancing technologies and processes in smart manufacturing and logistics. The conference fosters meaningful exchanges and collaborations to address challenges and explore opportunities in Industry 4.0. It provides a platform for innovative ideas, practical applications, and cutting-edge research. We are honored to contribute to this dynamic community and look forward to further bridging the gap between theoretical advancements and practical implementations in these critical areas.
Co-Organizing a track at IAMOT conference
Our colleague Mário Callefi is coorganizing a special session for the IAMOT conference 2025 in Montreal, Canada. The track deals with the Supply Chain 4.0 (SC4). Research Network aims to foster collaboration on fundamental and applied research related to Supply Chain Management in the context of the 4th and 5th Industrial Revolutions. The track specifically invites SC4 members to submit papers related to digital supply chains, digital technologies and due diligence in supply chains, digital technologies and sustainability integration in ecosystems, new business models in manufacturing and logistics, analytics and AI in supply chains, supply chain mapping, and sustainable supply chains.
Paper presented at the Logistics Colloquium
The Scientific Society for Technical Logistics (WGTL e. V.) hosted the 20th Logistics Colloquium in Dresden in September. Our colleague Pierre Grzona presented his scientific work entitled "Analyse der Einflussfaktoren beim Einsatz von BLE basierten Prozessanalyse Werkzeugen in der Intralogistik". The annual event serves to promote the exchange of information and cooperation between science and practice in the field of technical logistics. The Chair of Factory Planning and Intralogistics supports the WGTL with a membership.
Highly successful status workshop
This year, we were able to welcome members of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and Member of the Bundestag Maik Außendorf to the annual status workshop of the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Chemnitz and give them valuable insights into our center's work. The workshop provided an excellent platform for exciting discussions about the challenges and opportunities of digitization and the use of artificial intelligence in small and medium-sized enterprises. A big thank you to all participants for the committed exchange and the great cooperation of our consortium partners!
Hola, EUROMA!
The Chair of Factory Planning and Intralogistics successfully participated in the EUROMA Conference in Barcelona. This included presentations, interesting discussions and a shared lunch with leading researchers in the field of Operational Excellence. EUROMA is one of the largest conferences in the field of Operations Management in Europe. Next year, the 5th EurOMA Central and Eastern European Research Network Workshop will take place at our chair.
Hiking, Kneipp-spa and a pub visit
We started our hiking day at Grünhainichen-Borstendorf train station with the basic equipment of good shoes, rain protection and high spirits. First, we hiked along the Flöha river in the sunshine past a mill. Later, we entered the forest. We followed the Röthenbach stream and the bravest among us dared to enter the water treading pool. Refreshment then came from above. Umbrellas, capes and rain jackets were needed on the way to Borstendorf. From there, we continued on to the romantically situated Rochhausmühle. The chimney was already blazing in the quaint little pub and the rather long tour came to a convivial end.
Paper successfully presented at CLF conference
In mid-April 2024, our team attended the 14th CLF conference. They successfully presented the paper "Balancing the 3-Legged-Stool of Learning Factories" at the Dutch University of Twente. Learning factories resemble controlled laboratories for experiments, comparable to the natural sciences. Using the metaphor of the three-legged stool and using examples from Chemnitz University of Technology's Experimental and Digital Factory, the study examines the challenges and opportunities for fully exploiting the benefits of learning factories.
Chair supports POMS mini-conference
The Chair of Factory Planning and Intralogistics supports the organization of the POMS College of Operational Excellence (OPEX) mini-conference that is to take place as part of the 34th Production and Operations Management Society (POMS) Conference in Minneapolis, MN. On April 25, 2024 there will be a keynote by Rogelio Oliva on Intervention as a Research Strategy, best paper award pitches and a visit to the Mill Museum. POMS conference will run from April 25 to April 29. It is one of the most important conferences for operations and supply chain scholars worldwide.
Theme day "Digital Green" - State Secretary on a visit
Digital technologies are a decisive lever for achieving Germany's climate targets. How can digitalization and sustainable development be brought together in a targeted manner? And where do Saxon companies stand on this path? On the "Digital Green" theme day, State Secretary Ines Fröhlich visited companies and research institutions to find out more about digital technologies, including the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Chemnitz. It introduces forward-looking topics, including AI and sustainability, and provides SMEs with targeted support for specific projects.
Wasting Less Resources: Conference Aims to Generate Solutions for Lean Production
PRESS RELEASE - EVENTS
Europe's most important conference in the field of lean management will take place in Chemnitz from September 25 to 27, 2024 Press release
Excursion: From the stagecoach into the 21st century
Together with the university's Career Service, students on the "Corporate Logistics" course visited the Deutsche Post mail center in Chemnitz. In contrast to the companies they had previously learned about, the logistical processing of letters places different demands on both the volume and the necessary automation. In addition to huge automatic sorting systems for all letter formats, the participants were also shown how the mail items are systematically allocated from large delivery districts to the zip code for the mail carrier's route-specific compilation. While most companies are primarily active in the early and late shifts, the largest processing volume in the mail center actually occurs in the evening and at night. This allowed the participants to get to know the existing machinery at first hand.
Excursion: On the trail of logistics in the e-vehicle plant
On 19.01.2024, students and interested parties visited the Volkswagen vehicle plant in Zwickau as part of our "Corporate Logistics" course in cooperation with the university's Career Service. In three exciting specialist presentations, the speakers presented the logistical background and special features of their respective specialist areas. In addition to the basic material flow within the plant, the participants were also given an insight into the challenges of battery handling and the information technology background. A plant tour will take place on a follow-up date in the spring. Interested parties are welcome to contact the responsible person Florian Förster directly. Registration will also be possible via the Career Service of Chemnitz University of Technology.
Visit from Mexico
Roberto Sarmiento from the Autonomous University San Luis Potosi in Mexico visited us for a month during December 2023 and January 2024. During his stay we worked on strategic trade-offs, which resulted in several paper drafts. Apart from work, Roberto also enjoyed the Christmas Market in Chemnitz, snow, and the welcoming atmosphere. During his visit, he also gave two talks: one about strategic trade-offs, and one about quantitative vs qualitative research methods.
The World’s Leading Conference for Production Management is Coming to Chemnitz in 2024
PRESS RELEASE - EVENTS
43rd Advances in Production Management Systems (APMS) conference will take place at the Carlowitz Congress Center from September 8th to 12th, 2024 Press release
Excursion to an automotive supplier
On 19.01.2024, students had the opportunity to delve deeper into the work of an OEM-related automotive supplier. In cooperation with the Career Service of Chemnitz University of Technology, the students on the "Corporate Logistics" course visited the Glauchau-based company Schnellecke Logistics. They were guided through the factory halls and were given a comprehensive overview of the entire value creation process - from incoming goods, the automated small parts warehouse (AKL), sequencing for just-in-sequence deliveries to the Zwickau vehicle plant to efficient loading of trucks in outgoing goods. The participants were able to get to know a variety of logistical concepts and principles in a practical way.
Visit from Cardiff
Yuan Huang from Cardiff University visited our Chair for a week to intensify ongoing research collaboration. During her stay she also gave two lectures. On October 19, 2023, a lecture on her research CV. This not only provided interesting information about possible research topics, but also many tips for doctoral candidates on how to best cope with the often stressful, non-linear everyday research routine. On October 23rd there was a lecture on empirical qualitative research methods, one of the main research approaches at the Professorship of Factory Planning and Intralogistics.
Team excursion to the Zschopautal
Our hiking tour this year started not far from the front door and led us along a section of the Zschopautal hiking trail in beautiful late summer weather. After a short train ride, we hiked from Waldkirchen on to Witzschdorf and then along the banks of the Zschopau River to Hennersdorf. The steep ascent to Kunnerstein did not dampen the good mood, nor did the climb to Augustusburg Castle. From there, we took the cable car back to Erdmannsdorf, where we had a nice break. Conclusion: Repeat :-)
Discussing Technology Acceptance with the Chinese University of Hong Kong
Alex Pak Ki Kwok from the Chinese University of Hong Kong visited the Chair of Factory Planning and Intralogistics on July 14, 2023. He presented his recent research on technology acceptance and the use of data to create a better society. Faced by an ever elder society, these topics are also of relevance to German scholars, which opens venues for further cooperation in research and projects.
Exchange ideas with Norwegian University of Science and Technology
At the 20th of June 2023, Professor Fabio Sgarbossa presented the Production Management and Logistics group from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). He also outlined his latest research results. The vivid discussion of results opens possibilities for further cooperation. As responsible for the 'Logistics 4.0 Lab' at NTNU, Professor Sgarbossa also appreciated the Experimental and Digital Factory and the exchange of thoughts during his visit.
3. Research Workshop on Workload Control
Stefan Häussler from the University of Innsbruck in Austria and Arno Kasper from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands visited the Chair of Factory Planning and Intralogistics from April 19 to 21, 2023. The visit was part of the 3rd "Research Workshop on Workload Control". The aim was to intensify ongoing research and to stimulate new research. Accordingly, several presentations and discussion sessions took place.
University of Coimbra visited Experimental and Digital Factory
Professor Cristovao Silva and Samuel Moniz from the University of Coimbra in Portugal visited the Chair of Factory Planning and Intralogistics on February 13, 2023. Both were impressed by the Experimental and Digital Factory and are considering implementing similar experimental laboratories in Portugal. During their visit, there was also an opportunity to exchange ideas and future joint research projects were initiated.
New Appointments at the University
PRESS RELEASE - PERSONALIA
As of March 1, 2023, two professors have been newly appointed to Chemnitz University of Technology by the president Press release
