Resource service sharing in cloud manufacturing based on the Gale–Shapley algorithm: advantages and challenge

Cloud manufacturing (CMfg) is emerging as a novel manufacturing paradigm which enables large-scale resource service (RS) sharing by providing manufacturing resources as consumable services. However, the impacts of CMfg RS sharing on individual enterprise as well as the manufacturing industry in aspects such as resource utilisation, needs satisfaction and profit creation, paradigm adoption are not very clear, especially compared with that in existing networked manufacturing. To address this issue, a model of CMfg RS sharing based on the Gale-Shapley algorithm is constructed and analysed in the context of fluctuating RS supply and demand. A model of resource and service sharing in traditional networked manufacturing is also analysed in parallel. Detailed theoretical and simulation analysis with regard to RS utilisation rate, needs satisfaction rate, total utilities of demanders and providers as well as their performance is conducted. The obtained results reveal the advantages of CMfg RS sharing, as well as the challenge that needs to be addressed in order for the successful development and implementation of CMfg.