Abstract
In this article we present a practical example where the concept of Holistic Metrics (Feliz-Teixeira & Brito, 2006) is used as a way for sensing the results obtained in a simulation study related to the Portuguese enterprise GalpEnergia. Previously described in Feliz-Teixeira & Brito (2005), that case is used again in this article in order to demonstrate the practical value of the Holistic Metrics concept. This is basically a simple method for estimating or characterizing the behaviour of complex systems, in particular when these are studied throughout simulation. Instead of treating the complex output data obtained from this kind of system along the time domain, this perspective encourages analysts to represent such data in the frequency domain, somewhat as is adopted in Fourier Analysis and in Quantum Mechanics.

Abstract
This work aims to determine the effect of performing age based preventive maintenance actions on a repairable system with a constant failure rate. Periodic overhauls are carried out every time the system reaches the end of a constant time interval without failures and the system is repaired whenever a failure occurs. Performing overhauls implies interventions such as: replacement of parts with increasing hazard rate, cleaning, oiling etc. In this work, the relationship between the initial failure rate (without periodic overhauls) and the failure rate with periodic overhauls is established. © 2008 ICQR.

Abstract
Customers gain their own experiences and knowledge through using products or services. This knowledge is recognized as one of the most important competitive resources for the companies in recent years. However the models were introduced in the literature for customer knowledge management (CKM) focused on the human based interaction with customers to exchange the knowledge. The aim of this paper is to propose the applicability of agents in knowledge exchange between customers and companies. Autonomy, reactivity and pro activity of agents aid CKM to response the customers as quickly as possible and to customize their services for individuals. The abilities of agents cover the requirements of CKM models. An introductory model is proposed to show the abilities of agents in CKM system. A comparison between agents' abilities and CKM is provided as final goal of this paper. Copyright © (2008) by Computers & Industrial Engineering.

Abstract
In recent years optimization of fuzzy controllers has been widely considered by researchers, especially using genetic algorithms. Genetic supervisory fuzzy (GSF) control architecture for multi-part-Type production line is proposed in this paper. GSF control architecture composed of two layer controller. In first layer heuristic distributed fuzzy (HDF) controllers has been used to control each machine separately, while GSF controllers has been used in second layer. GSF controllers tune the decisions made by HDF controllers, based on overall conditions of production system. Genetic algorithm (GA) is used to adapt the membership functions of fuzzy supervisory controllers, to improve the performance of such controllers. The overall objective is to control the production rate in a way that satisfies the demand for final products while keeping minimum work-in-process (WIP) and backlog within the production system. GA is used to minimize costs of WIP and backlog. The results show that in most of the cases GSF outperform the conventional supervisory controllers. Copyright© (2008) by Computers & Industrial Engineering.

Abstract
The elimination of international trade barriers, lower tariffs, and shifting centers of global manufacturing and consumption leads to new dynamics in intermodal shipping. Advanced technologies, and in particular, automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RSs) for designing high-capacity automated container terminals, have been recently proposed as possible candidates for improving the terminal's efficiency and meeting the challenges of the future in marine transportation. In this article, the authors present an analytical statistical model for computing expected cycle time of split-platform AS/RS (SP-AS/RS), in order to reduce average handling time of this system. The accuracy of the proposed statistical model is validated by Monte Carlo simulation. The results show that the analytical model is reliable for the design and analysis of the SP-AS/RS.

Abstract