A web-based platform for the simulation–optimization of industrial problems

This study presents a platform for industrial, real-world simulation–optimization based on web techniques. The design of the platform is intended to be generic and thereby make it possible to apply the platform in various problem domains. In the implementation of the platform, modern web techniques, such as Ajax, JavaScript, GWT, and ProtoBuf, are used. The platform is tested and evaluated on a real industrial problem of production optimization at Volvo Aero Corporation, a company that develops and manufactures high-technology components for aircraft and gas turbine engines. The results of the evaluation show that while the platform has several benefits, implementing a web-based system is not completely straightforward. At the end of the paper, possible pitfalls are discussed and some recommendations for future implementations are outlined.

► Design and implementation of a generic and flexible platform for industrial simulation–optimization.
► Test and evaluation based on a real problem of production optimization at Volvo Aero Corporation.
► Practical recommendations for implementations of similar systems and highlight of possible pitfalls.