Abstract: A method for making an infeasible sequence of things feasible. The method includes generating a series of matrices that define the relative position of the things in the sequence based on graph theory, and multiplying the matrices to determine the required order of the things in the sequence based on prior pre-determined constraints. The method selects a current position for each thing in the sequence, and looks at each thing before the current position of a thing on a sequential basis to determine whether the thing at the current position should come before any of the previous things based on the multiplied matrices. The method also looks at other constraints, including determining if any of the things must follow each other in the sequence, determining whether any of the things in the sequence cannot follow one after the other, etc.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a sequence of things that employs a fictitious play algorithm. The method includes assigning an agent to each thing in the sequence, and defining an objective function that is a function of certain performance indices of the things. The method also includes determining an initial sequence of the things, and defining a random sample of a plurality of past sequence of the things. The method then sequentially and independently selects an optimal position for each thing in the sequence that minimizes the objective function relative to the sampled sequences. The method then determines a new sequence of the things based on the selected positions of the things in the sequence, and then determines whether the new sequence is closer to optimal than the previous sequences of the things.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for managing operations of a system. The method includes partitioning the system into a plurality of subsystems. The method further includes, for each subsystem, creating an agent to associate with the subsystem, providing to the agent one or more goals for the subsystem, and providing to the agent an overall objective function for the system. The method also includes using an optimization algorithm involving the agents to manage system operation based on the goals and the overall objective function. The system includes an agent module for providing a set of agents associated with the subsystems, a throughput target module for providing a throughput target for each agent, an objective module for providing, for each agent, a common production throughput objective, and a sampled fictitious play module for providing instructions of a sampled fictitious play algorithm.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed for managing utility consumption. An embodiment is disclosed for reducing peak demand for a utility by staggering requests for that utility. Another embodiment is disclosed in which sensors monitor utility consumption throughout a facility. Those items of equipment not in active use, but still drawing utility resources, are shut down after a predetermined interval. Another embodiment is disclosed in which storage and conversion technologies are used to offset peak demand and the associated peak demand costs.

Abstract: A method for determining whether to provide automatic reset instructions to a machine with reset capability with respect to a fault code event, the method comprising, in a database, collecting records comprising the identification of the machine, a fault code associated therewith and the duration of a fault associated with the fault code that the machine experienced within a time period, and performing a statistical analysis on the records to analyze whether executing an automatic reset on the machine with respect to the fault code will probabilistically rectify the fault and to generate resultant data.

Abstract: A method for categorizing work including receiving a response to a questionnaire from a person. The questionnaire includes a plurality of scales, with each of the scales corresponding to one of a plurality of work characteristics. Each scale includes one or more questions related to the corresponding work characteristic. Scale scores are computed for each of the scales within the questionnaire using the response from the person and the questionnaire as input. Two or more scales are combined into a work factor. A work factor score is computed for the work factor based on the contribution of each of the combined scales to the work factor. A work category is assigned based on the factor score.

Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating worker initiative. The method includes receiving a response to a questionnaire from a person. The questionnaire includes a plurality of questions related to a worker initiative characteristic. The questions include: whether the person determines when to start working on a task; whether another person determines a task priority for the person; whether a supervisor determines when the person starts working on the task; and whether someone other than the person and the supervisor determine when the person starts working on the task. A score is computed for the questions using the response from the person and the questionnaire as input.

Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating input ambiguity in a work system. The method includes receiving a response to a questionnaire from a person. The questionnaire includes a plurality of questions related to an input ambiguity characteristic. The questions include: whether inputs to a work task are available; whether the inputs to the work task are identified; whether work task resources are identified when the work task is started; whether the work task resources are available when the work task is started; and whether customer requirements are understood. A score is computed for the questions using the response from the person and the questionnaire as input.