A decision-making framework for the design of local production networks under largescale disruptions

In this paper, a model-based decision-making framework for the design of localized networked production systems under largescale disruptions is developed. The framework consists of optimization and agent-based simulation models that run successively in an iterative manner, gradually improving the performance of the perceived system. The framework integrates uncertainty, provides decisions at different decision-making levels and embeds an algorithm that allows for communication between demand nodes and production sites once inventory shortages occur. The framework has been applied on a case study for the design of localized production and distribution networks, powered by additive manufacturing (AM), in South East England during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Results revealed that implementing the framework indeed results in performance improvements to AM-powered production networks, particularly with regards to inventory shortages and lead time. © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on British Foundries

COVID-19 has caused a global pandemic since December 2019. It has impacted not only the wellbeing of human society but also has been damaging to the global economy. This has imposed severe threats and challenges on businesses. The British government has launched aid schemes to combat the new scenarios developed as a result of the pandemic. This paper aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 on foundries in the UK. Recorded responses from a detailed survey of the British foundries were analysed and short- and long-term action plans for the foundries are suggested. The current status, challenges, and future direction of the UK foundries are discussed. An opinion for the use of additive technologies with business model innovation for the de-centralised foundries is presented. © 2021, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society.

Design of emergency response manufacturing networks: A decision-making framework

In times of large-scale crises, seemingly streamlined supply chains could become prone to unforeseen disruptions, leading to interruption in the provision of vital supplies. This could lead to severe consequences if such interruptions include vital products, such as lifesaving medical supplies or healthcare workers' protective gear. Shortages of vital supplies could occur due to unexpected sharp spike in demand, where manufacturers are unable to produce the necessary quantities required to meet the unusual demand. They could also be the result of a disruption in the product's supply chain, originating in another country, or even continent, worse affected by the crisis. In either case, localized production, enabled by efforts and resources of local establishments and individuals, could provide a contingency means to produce such vital products to serve local needs, temporarily. Motivated by the growing availability of advanced manufacturing technologies, in particular additive manufacturing (AM), this paper aims to develop a decision-making framework for the design of AM enabled local manufacturing networks in times of crises. The framework consists of complementing interrelated optimization and simulation models that operate iteratively in an uncertain environment, until a local production network, producing the desired performance targets, emerges. Finally, a case study inspired by the shortages of medical supplies, and healthcare workers' personal protective equipment (PPE), during the worldwide 2020 outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus is employed to demonstrate the applicability of the framework. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.. All rights reserved.

Manufacturing in the time of COVID-19: An Assessment of Barriers and Enablers

Pandemics and other forms of epidemic outbreaks are a unique case of manufacturing risk typified by high uncertainty, increasing propagation and long-term disruption to manufacturers, supply chain actors as well as the end-users and consumers. For manufacturing the COVID-19 disruption scope has been largely two-fold;an endogenous disruption of manufacturing processes and systems as well as extreme shifts in demand and supply caused by exogenous supply chain disruption. Existing literature on disruptions in manufacturing suggests that pandemics are qualitatively different from typical disruptions. There is no literature available to manufacturing practitioners that identify the barriers and enablers of manufacturing resilience, especially with regards to pivoting of the manufacturing sector in response to a pandemic. This study draws on an extensive survey collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The respondents were employees of manufacturing firms in all regions of the world who had engaged in manufacturing during the pandemic or had opted out from manufacturing due to various identified reasons. By collating their responses, we offer to practitioners and policymakers an analysis for identifying a best-practice framework for pivoting successfully as a response to major manufacturing disruptions. IEEE