ABSTRACT
Whirlpool Use Case implements Production harmonizEd Reconfiguration of Flexible Robots and Machinery (PERFoRM) approach in a production process for durable goods (home appliances). The objective is to achieve production flexibility and adaptability leveraging PERFoRM middleware platform enabling analysis and reconfiguration of the production line with specific focus on monitoring the behavior of the factory by measuring specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are then used to take decision on both dynamic and static factors and monitoring as well the behavior of a selection of single equipment or departments (i.e., dynamic factors) measuring some of their performance indicators in order to put in place local optimization actions. Specific attention was paid in integration of existing equipment and data structures via Adapters, in considering the role of humans in various roles, and in providing easy-to-use tools for decision-making.
