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Human-robot collaboration (HRC) is becoming increasingly widespread in today's production systems, as it can contribute to achieving more efficient and flexible production systems. Given the growing importance of HRC, this paper addresses the significance of human workload in HRC. To study workers workload an experiment was conducted using NASA-TLX questionnaire. The experiment featured two scenarios involving the same operation but varying robot motion parameters. Recognizing that individual differences contribute to success of collaboration, the experiment considered worker utilization in relation to robot motion parameters. To ensure the credibility of the experimental results, the robot motion parameters were adjusted to each individual in order to achieve the same conditions and utilization at all participants. Results revealed that worker utilization, in conjunction with robot motion parameters significantly influenced worker workload. The results highlight the need for personalized guidelines in collaborative workplaces that emphasize individual differences in abilities, skills and personalities to increase overall well-being and robot and worker productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presented paper investigates the application of digital twins for the optimisation of intelligent manufacturing systems and focuses on the comparison between simulation modelling results and real-world production conditions. A digital twin was created in the Simio software environment using a data-driven simulation model derived from a real-world production system. Running the digital twin in real time, which was displayed graphically, facilitated the analysis of key parameters, including the number of finished products, average flow time, workstation utilization and product quality. The discrepancies were attributed to the use of random distributions of input data in the dynamic digital twin, as opposed to the long-term measurements and averages in the realworld system. Despite the limitations in the case study, the results underline the financial justification and predictive capabilities of digital twins for optimising production systems. Real-time operation enables continuous evaluation and tracking of parameters and offers high benefits for intelligent production systems. The study emphasises the importance of accurate selection of input data and warns that even small deviations can lead to inaccurate results. Finally, the paper highlights the role of digital twins in optimising production systems and argues for careful consideration of input data. It highlights the importance of analysing real-world production systems and creating efficient simulation models as a basis for digital twin solutions. The results encourage extending the research to different types of production, from job shop to mass production, in order to obtain a comprehensive optimisation perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent technological advances have created perfect conditions for the appearance of artificial intelligence (AI) and its application to real world problems for both the public and industry. The newest iteration of European manufacturing survey has enabled us to gather data on the usage of AI in manufacturing companies. Results are based on a subsample of 141 manufacturing companies located in Slovenia and are presented with the use of descriptive statistics. Results show that the use of AI depends on company size and the role of the company in the supply chain. Common barriers to the implementation of AI are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of our research, we have produced an overview of various aspects and challenges related to the ageing population. Ergonomics plays a crucial role in addressing the needs and challenges associated with an ageing workforce. As people age, their physical abilities and sensory functions tend to change, which can affect their comfort, safety and productivity in different work environments. A case study is presented that aims to test available new technologies, the Xsens suit and Process Simulate software, during a process of ergonomic workplace design that is also suitable for older people. Applying ergonomic principles to meet the needs of older workers can help maintain their well-being and keep them engaged in the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of our study was to research the benefits of motion capture technology, also known as mocap, in ergonomic workplace analysis and design. It is well known that with proper ergonomic design, we can achieve shorter production throughput time, higher productivity, and lower costs with fewer human errors and injuries. In addition to all other environmental factors such as noise, lighting, temperature, humidity, and air velocity, worker movement should also be considered and evaluated. A motion capture technology is used to record and track human or objects movements and translate them into a digital format, saving time and effort needed for animation process. The data obtained can later be easily used for ergonomic analysis and evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of Industry 4.0 and the introduction of new technologies, collaborative workplaces represent the potential to increase the efficiency of manufacturing systems. The presented research focuses on studying the impact of changing the speed and acceleration of a Cobot to the number of finished products at a collaborative workstation, the average assembly time, and the utilization of the Cobot and worker. In a laboratory experiment, it was demonstrated that changing the parameters of the Cobot significantly affects the optimization parameters of the collaborative workstation productivity. The results indicate an increase in production capacity with an increase in the speed and acceleration of the Cobot, while at the same time highlighting the importance of uniform utilization and occupancy of the Cobot and worker. The findings are particularly interesting from the influence of the Cobot's audio and video effects on worker, when reducing the average assembly time while increasing the Cobot's capabilities. The results and findings presented open up important new areas of research in the field of social, time and financial justification of collaborative workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the use of simulation modelling methods to evaluate the impact of the collaborative workplaces (human-robot collaboration) importance in correlation to the sustainable manufacturing. Based on an example, numerical simulation results of an existing manual assembly workplace and a newly proposed collaborative workplace are presented using production parameters that describe all three key aspects of sustainable manufacturing: economic, social and environmental aspect. A datadriven simulation model was used, mainly using the input parameters of the real-world production system and numerical assumptions obtained from the literature, with the main objective of detailing the impact on the sustainable orientation of the production process. The results presented in the paper demonstrate the high suitability of simulation modelling methods in the evaluation of existing and newly proposed technologies from the sustainable manufacturing point of view. The results demonstrate that collaborative workplaces, if implemented appropriately and using correct input data, are a possible solution that can cope with limited human resources and ensure high production efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research work represents the development of a new decision-making model intended for the resource capacity planning depending on the production system constraints. A mathematical decision model for medium and short-term (dynamic) workers allocation was developed. A simulation study of the dynamic events and the response of the decision-making algorithm to achieve the optimal workers allocation was conducted. The results show that the resource capacity planning has a high importance as the constraints faced by workers in production systems become more severe. The results demonstrate the high ability to terminate production capacity while ensuring smooth, efficient operation of the production system. Presented method can be used in everyday workers allocation in different types of production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A production system can be viewed as a network through which jobs flow, wait in buffers, and are processed by workstations. One of the main problems in job shops is how to handle the variety of products. The resources used in production are limited, so scheduling becomes a very important concept for management decision making. This importance draws the attention of both practitioners and academicians to scheduling. Scheduling is a complex and difficult problem. Scheduling the production of multiple products is a classic problem in production planning research. Long lead times, unacceptable work-in-process (WIP) inventories, failure to meet due dates, and other barriers to profitability are found in every manufacturing facility. There are job sequencing methods, resource allocation rules, and mathematical and heuristic algorithms. Conventional optimization methods are insufficient for large problems in terms of solution time. In this paper, an overview of scheduling methods for a job shop and a discussion about their applicability are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production design is a complex task that can be solved using a variety of approaches. The range of knowledge in this field is wide, but this paper is about understanding how it works in a general way, using the tools available nowadays, mostly referred to as Industry 4.0. Required data for the problem presented was taken from the literature and supplemented with the real life data. The problem was solved using different computer programs from Autodesk family with different computer simulations. For the final layout design, simulations were performed using the program Autodesk Process Analysis. All product flows were described and analysed to find the best solution. The global idea made with this work can help us to better understand how a factory layout can be designed and elaborated using different computer tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manuscript presents the importance of integrating mathematical methods for the determination of due date optimization parameter for maturity optimization in evolutionary computation (EC) methods in multi-objective flexible job shop scheduling problem (FJSSP). The use of mathematical modelling methods of due date optimization with slack (SLK) for low and total work content (TWK) for medium and high dimensional problems was presented with the integration into the multi-objective heuristic Kalman algorithm (MOHKA). The multi-objective optimization results of makespan, machine utilization and due date scheduling with the MOHKA algorithm were compared with two comparative multi-objective algorithms. The high capability and dominance of the EC method results in scheduling jobs for FJSSP production was demonstrated by comparing the optimization results with the results of scheduling according to conventional priority rules. The obtained results of randomly generated datasets proved the high level of job scheduling importance with respect to the interdependence of the optimization parameters. The ability to apply the presented method to the real-world environment was demonstrated by using a real-world manufacturing system dataset applied in Simio simulation and scheduling software. The optimization results prove the importance of the due date optimization parameter in highly dynamic FJSSP when it comes to achieving low numbers of tardy jobs, short job tardiness and potentially lower tardy jobs costs in relation to short makespan of orders with highly utilized production capacities. The main findings prove that multi-objective optimization of FJSSP planning and scheduling, taking into account the optimization parameter due date, is the key to achieving a financially and timely sustainable production system that is competitive in the global market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented manuscript deals with the impact of manufacturing flexibility on the sustainability justification of the manufacturing system, related to manufacturing sustainable social, environmental and financial impact. Such impact is not described in the research sphere. The complexity of the optimisation parameters is reflected in the multi-objective nature that can be evaluated with the use of the simulation study method. The manuscript presents a description of manufacturing flexibility modelling, with respect to the four-level architectural model, describing an optimisation problem of high-mix low-volume production. The impact of manufacturing flexibility on the sustainability justification is presented by the new block diagram. Sustainability parameters' mathematical modelling is presented with two main optimisation parameters of energy consumption and machine scrap percentage. The impact is evaluated and described by an appropriate multi-criteria optimisation method on a sustainably justified production system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this manuscript is to map the adoption of selected innovative organizational concepts in manufacturing companies. A further objective of our research is to find out how different organizational concepts are represented in different manufacturing company's types. Based on a sample of 118 Slovenian manufacturing companies collected through the 2018-19 European Manufacturing Survey edition, results give information about the most used organizational concepts, their utilization degree, planned use and average year of implementation. The use of organizational innovation concepts is also heavily dependent on the company characteristics in terms of size, technological intensity, supplier or OEM status etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, noise is a considerable stress factor in several workplaces and living environments. Despite legal regulations and recommendations, there are still many problems resulting from noise exposure, especially extra-aural effects. We studied the influence of noise on workers in two different environments: A Technical High School and a manufacturing company. Measurements of noise levels were performed, together with corresponding noise frequency analysis. In both cases, working places were found where the noise levels exceeded the upper exposure level of 85 dB (A). In comparison to measurements, personal noise perceptions of workers were assessed by an extended research survey. Correlating the survey's results and experimentally determined noise levels gave us new insights into the occupational health risks of noise in two very different working environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study has investigated mathematical and simulation model interactivity for production system scheduling. A mathematical model of a Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Production optimisation problem (FJSSP) was used to evaluate a new evolutionary computation method of multi-objective heuristic Kalman algorithm (MOHKA). Ten Brandimarte and five Kacem benchmarks were applied for evaluation and comparison of MOHKA optimisation results with the Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (MOPSO) and Bare-Bones Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (BBMOPSO). Benchmark data sets were divided into three groups, regarding their complexity, from low, middle to high dimensional optimisation problems. The optimisation results of MOHKA show high capability to solve complex multiobjective optimisation problems, especially with real world production systems data. A new robust method is presented of optimisation data interactivity between a mathematical optimisation algorithm and a simulation model. The results show that the presented method can overcome the integrated decision logic of commercial simulation software and transfer the optimisation results into the simulation model. Our interactive method can be used in a variety of production and service companies to ensure an optimised and sustainable cost-time profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the new model for eco-design of fixtures based on life cycle and cost assessment. Four fixture types with different mechanical and physical properties as well as different manufacturing costs have been evaluated. The life cycle results show that the environmental impact is closely related to the mass of steel needed for fixture manufacture. On the other hand, the fixture with the largest environmental impact had the smallest total fixture cost and vice versa. The results show that it is possible to implement environmental and cost analysis in fixture design process and to enable comparative analysis of fixture constructions by three standpoints, technical, environmental and economic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Work is one of the basic factors of human life. It is well known that appropriate workplace design can contribute to healthy and satisfied worker and this fact is even more important when we talk about workers with disabilities. In the field of ergonomics workplace design there is rarely any expert knowledge regarding workers with disabilities. Those workers are also more sensitive for stress at work and possible injuries that are usually connected with non-adequate workplace design. On the other hand, companies face the problem of identifying suitable workplaces for workers with disabilities, and supplying the needed requirements to integrate them with other healthy workers. The purpose of our research was to present an approach of ergonomically designed workplace for workers with disabilities. Manual and computer aided OWAS analyses were performed to assess present indicator light assembly workplace in a large sized production company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The workplace as we know it and production systems as a whole will not be recognizable in a decade's time. In this chapter an overview of expected future changes in manufacturing systems is given. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the key driver in this change and it is critical to prepare us for a future dominated by AI. Robots and AI will prove far more disruptive than anything we have seen before. The most effective AI systems will be designed around the concept of intelligent augmentation. They will handle the math and basic analysis, relieving skilled operators of a tedious burden, absorb data, classify and prioritize information, conduct simulations and ultimately leave it to the human operator to decide the course of action. In the AI future, jobs requiring human creativity and management expertise will enjoy the greatest job security. This is our competitive advantage as humans. Those who understand the collaboration with other humans while working with AI tools to enhance their organization's effectiveness will create maximum value. An energy- and resourcefriendly production is an important key performance indicator for industrial companies to work economically and remain competitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart glasses are a kind of Head Mounted Display (HMD) with great potential in Industry 4.0 working environments, where shop floor workers must be supplied with critical information in a timely, accessible and safe manner to be as productive as possible. Smart glasses collect data from a wireless network and project it on a tiny screen before the user's eye. Despite several benefits, such as hands-free access to computer-generated info, routeing to storage locations, eliminating the need to carry handheld scanners or written documents, there are also possible problems evidenced from the literature. HMD can cause headaches, pressure in the eyes, problems with focusing and difficulties with text reading. To study the addressed problems, a research was performed together with Ophthalmologists from Maribor Healthcare Centre. The effects of using Vuzix M300 Smart glasses on users' comfort during order picking activities were researched in a testing warehouse environment at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Maribor. The testing period lasts four hours. Several ophthalmologic tests (visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual field testing and colour test) were performed before and after use of smart glasses. Results show that there are some statistically significant differences before and after use of smart glasses in users' visual acuity and, surprisingly, a high percentage of scotomas in the right eye (where the projection of smart glasses was performed) after use of smart glasses that cannot be overlooked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen removal from wastewaters is highly important for environmental protection and human health. Recent findings about positive effect of a relatively weak magnetic field on microbial and enzymatic activity are opening new research fields, also on amelioration of wastewater biodegradation processes. Different models of magnetic devices were simulated with OPERA 17R1 Vector Fields Software and constructed with adjustable magnetic field strength, for laboratory tests on wastewater biodegradation to find an efficient treatment regime. Total nitrogen removal in lab-bioreactor was enhanced by direct exposure of synthetic wastewater (inoculated with active sludge) to a static magnetic field at strength (30 to 50) mT, indicating positive impact onto ammonium oxidizing bacteria. Similar effect was observed by inducing the recirculation of wastewater through the alternating magnetic field with peak strength 50 mT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript deals with analysing value adding and outsourcing activities in Slovenian manufacturing companies. Our research is based on the data from the largest European manufacturing survey and it includes data from Slovenia. We have analysed manufacturing companies based on their decision to fully outsource part of their activities in terms of R&D and manufacturing, partly outsource these activities or keep them in-house. Based on that we have studied the decisions on outsourcing R&D, production activities in regards to different company characteristics: competitive criteria, innovation activities, company performance etc. Our results show that strategic decision on outsourcing part of companies' activities has an important impact on different companies' characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, success represents sustainability in introducing new standards and orientation toward the customer, to the quality and price of products, to flexibility, agility and promptness, to economising in resources and protection of the environment. This is not easy to achieve, especially in an environment, where it is natural desire to keep resources busy, in particular the critical resources. This usually results in unfavourable outcomes, usually experiencing significant degradation in performance of company and a lot of firefighting inside the company. This paper outlines three approaches for manufacturing scheduling, starting with traditional push approach (MRP) and continuing with Kanban (pull) and Theory of Constraints (pull/push), regarding performance and throughput improvement. It determines how resources should be scheduled within a system in order to enhance performance, provide stability and predictability of products. Simulations demonstrate that 200 % to 600 % of improvement is possible at inventory level (work in progress) and the same at lead time, based on the number of completed tasks over a given period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of product lifecycle is one of the tools of strategic management and gives a company the guidelines for marketing their product. It is very important that companies know in which lifecycle stage their product is. When conceiving a product platform, companies rely on the researches of socio-economic parameters. These parameters are called influence parameters, because by changing through time they influence the sales of the product and consequently the lifecycle curve, and require the company to change its business model, business strategy or their product. The changes of influence parameters reflect the changes of consumer needs, which is why in most cases the product needs to be adapted to the new parameters. In order for companies to know in which lifecycle stage the product is or will be, they often use forecasting methods. In this process, all the socio-economic parameters are projected that were valid in that specific period. The purpose of the article is to develop a model that takes into account the changing of influence parameters and gives reliable medium-term forecasts of the sales of a given product (attached is an example of a built-in oven lifecycle). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improvement of product development process is crucial for all competitive companies. One of the possible steps is the implementation of the supporting system based on neural networks. Development of the product lasts from the first idea about the product till the end of production. In that time a lot of activities take place in order to achieve the success on the market. Too much resources applied in the development phase mean high product's price. If there is too less resources assigned, it could happen the product is qualitatively not sufficient and therefore market rejects it. Optimum development requires minimal resources necessary with preserving quality of the end product. In this chapter we suggest a method for helping the appliance developers, which is based on existing knowledge and foresees potential solutions. The data were collected from various beverage appliances. With neural networks the acquired data were set as a base for creating supporting neural networks. The system was tested with the data that were previously not included into learning patterns. Results show that the method is suitable for new appliance development. System itself predicted expected solutions well enough to confirm usability for development purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal manikins are used for testing the thermal insulation of different types of protective clothing. Data about thermal insulation is required when new protective clothes are designed or for the optimization of the existing ones. Thermal insulation usually plays an important role when researching or developing optimal protective clothing used in hot environmental conditions. The aim is to develop protective clothing that will ensure the lowest possible thermal load for the user. To get accurate information about thermal insulation, the measuring system for its determination should be stable. One of the possibilities is to use a thermal manikin presenting the anatomic shape of the human body. The measurement accuracy and stability of the measuring system based on the thermal manikin are investigated and assessed on the basis of statistical analysis. Accurate measurements can be ensured with statistics. Only accurate data has an application value for the industrial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper presents the results of testing firefighter protective equipment. During interventions, firefighters are exposed to strain and stress and above all they are exposed to high temperatures and working in extreme thermal conditions. Since clothes protect firefighter and actually presents the barrier for heat exchange, it is very important to know their characteristics (e.g. thermal insulation) when creating and designing suitable clothes that will offer also normal movement and comfort during work. For testing different protective clothes, thermal manikins are usually used. Thermal manikins represent the anatomical shape of human body and in this way represent a measuring tool. During our research, data on nineteen segments of thermal manikin was observed and thermal insulation was calculated. Thermal insulation usually plays an important role when researching or developing optimal protective clothes used in hot environmental conditions. For studying suitability of firefighters movements' two ergonomics methods were used: OWAS and RULA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this manuscript is to map the adoption of technologies for energy reduction and resources consumption in production. The aim is also to contribute to the identification of the characteristics of the manufacturing firms that use this kind of energy and material saving technologies. Another goal was to determine reasons for and against implementation of specific energy and material saving technologies in these firms. Our research is based on the data from the largest European manufacturing survey and it includes data from Slovenia. The results show that the use of specific energy saving technologies and material saving technologies in Slovenian manufacturing firms is still modest. Dividing manufacturing firms based on technology intensity sectors and based on the relative energy efficiency we have concluded that firms in high technology industries focus less on energy efficiency than low technology firms. We also found out that firms with more implemented energy and material saving technologies are more likely to be more energy efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proposed in this paper is a novel approach to fixture layout design. The contact interface between workpiece and fixture is reduced to a single workpiece surface. This allows reliable machining of the remaining five workpiece surfaces in a single setup. Workpiece clamping is performed by inserting special elements into prepared auxiliary openings on the workpiece. Clamping is thus reduced to indenting of sharp clamping element tips into the workpiece surface. Shallow indenting is performed on surfaces which have no practical function. Special device was designed to allow experimental investigation. Experimental results point towards the efficiency of the proposed approach. Workpiece displacements were small during machining and allowed the required machining accuracy. Furthermore, the results obtained during machining indicate high surface quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation means renewal and change, but in today's turbulent business world, it has come in particular to mean the development of new corporate services, products, processes and structures. Innovation is a knowledge management process, involving creation, integration, sharing and application of knowledge. In the period of crisis, there must be stronger focus put on research and innovation investments to overcome the challenges of globalization. One of the priorities of nowadays should be to improve innovation performance of enterprises. In the chapter, we present a review, how successful learning organizations adopt a culture based on innovation and management support for innovation, and describe the relationship between innovation, knowledge and strategic planning. The development and application of new knowledge is the basis of innovation, emphasizing the strong links between innovation and knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is still increasing and since these injuries cause high costs for companies and whole society it is important to prevent them through ergonomic analysis and workplace design. Methods for assessing external load are numerous and they differ in the stages of assessment. They also differ in the body area they assess (the load of the back, the upper and lower limbs independently or provide a total assessment) and the types of work tasks they focus on. In the paper the review of the most common methods for assessing body postures is presented. Beside generally known methods such as OWAS, RULA, REBA, NIOSH and others also newly methods usually developed in companies for specific purposes are discussed such as PEIL, ERIN and Ergocheck. Since methods are usually dedicated to a restricted type of work task and restricted body area the review of different ergonomics analysis could be of benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scheduling is a decision-making process used on a regular basis in many manufacturing and service industries. It plays an important role in shop floor planning. Job shop is one of the most popular generalized production systems. A schedule shows the planned time when the processing of a specific job will start and will be completed on each machine that the job requires. Schedule is a timetable for both jobs and machines. Complex and mathematically involved scheduling methods require substantial and extensive knowledge. Since job shop scheduling problems fall mostly into the class of NP-hard problems, they are among the most difficult to formulate and solve. In the chapter, a selection of advanced job shop scheduling methods is represented: filtered beam search, constraint-guided heuristic search and genetic algorithms, all demonstrated with simple examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of work-related musculoskeletal disorders has been increasing in most industries and occupations. Since these injuries impose high costs on employers and society it is important to prevent it through ergonomic assessment and job redesign. The paper presents a research of the workplace ophthalmic nurse regarding strain and stress. In the workplace the Intravenous Fluorescein angiography or fluorescent angiography is made which is a technique for examining the circulation of the retina and choroids using a fluorescent dye and specialized camera. The working procedure is complex and since nurses must assist in several forced positions for longer time ergonomic analyses were made aimed to determine strain and stress at workplace. For assessment of body postures OWAS analysis was performed manually and using computer simulation. The results obtained using computer simulations are comparable to manually performed research for most body positions except for bent and twisted back. Body postures of upper limb, lower limb and neck were exposed as harmful for nurse during working procedure and according to OWAS changes are needed in near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducing ergonomic principle into work is very important. Since work is one of the basic factors of human life appropriate designed workplace can contribute to healthy and satisfied worker. Beside that ergonomically designed workplace also improves worker's efficiency at work and decreases the possibility of injuries. The aim of the presented research was to determine whether the work area within a chosen retail shop was safe and effective enough. The OWAS method was used aimed to estimate the body postures during the working day. It was discovered that certain body positions resulted in significant overload which meant that certain remedies were necessary during the working process to prevent possible damage to the body. As a result an innovative system with moving shelves was proposed in order to prevent the shopkeeper from awkward body postures. Similar solutions can be found in industrial warehouses and could solve problems that occur during overhead work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the concept of technical innovation and organisational innovation in Slovenian manufacturing companies. We have conducted a survey within international project European Manufacturing Survey (EMS). We have asked manufacturing companies with at least 20 employees which technical and organisational innovation concepts they use. We have analysed the differences in the use of organisational concepts depending on the company size and technological intensity. The paper also presents the trends in use of organisational innovation concepts and future plans of companies. The results are presented with the use of descriptive statistics and they show that the use of specific technical and organisational innovation concepts in Slovenian manufacturing companies is quite diverse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During an aggravated economic situation many companies have to deal with various situations that present demand distortion and changes in production processes. As a result orders to suppliers fluctuate upstream of the supply chain in amplified form. This phenomenon is called the bullwhip effect, which is one of the more interesting and developing problems within supply chain management. This undesirable effect produces excess regarding inventory, problems during production planning and poor customer services. In this paper we experimented with two special cases in a simple four stage supply chain with the level constraints represented by the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) level: Case 1 - stable demand with single 5 % change and ideal OEE level, and Case 2 - stable demand with single 5 % change and OEE level changes upstream of the supply chain. The results of spreadsheet simulation are shown in the tables and charts. The impact of slight demand distortion and level constraints within the supply chain on the bullwhip effect was evident. The comparison of the results showed that when deviations in production processes are present the higher bullwhip effect occur at different stages within the supply chain and depending on the situation do not have to occur at stages within the supply chain with the lowest OEE levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturers have to look constantly for new strategies and tools to improve processes, decrease cost and increase productivity and efficiency. Production scheduling is one of the crucial elements in manufacturing and has an impact on delivery deadlines and also on the production process in terms of its utilization. On the other hand, the value stream optimization is very important for lean manufacturing efforts. This paper is aimed to research the impact of job shop scheduling on value stream optimization and decreasing of cost-time investment. Value stream mapping represents a very efficient tool for visualization of activities within production flow focused on activity duration with the purpose to eliminate non-value added activities. Value stream costing is based on value stream and eliminates the need for overhead allocation and calculation. Cost-time profile is a powerful tool for visualization and calculation of cost accumulation during the time across the entire manufacturing flow. Software tools used in this paper are: Lekin scheduling system for constructing the schedules based on four different dispatching rules and Cost-Time Profiler software for simulating the impact of different schedules on total production cost and cost-time investment (representing the time value of money), which is proposed as a new scheduling objective function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For make-to-stock production systems the production plans and activities are based mainly on demand forecasting, which is one of the key causes of the bullwhip effect. The bullwhip effect (BE) is the inherent increase in demand fluctuation up the supply chain. In the paper we have illustrated the phenomenon of bullwhip effect using real demand data in three simulation cases of a supply chain with different level constraints. We experimented with a simple three-stage supply chain using seasonal and deseasonalized time series of the market demand data in order to identify, illustrate and discuss the impacts of different level constraints on the BE. The results are presented for different overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and constrained inventory policies. At higher OEE level there is less variability in production processes, but at inventory limitations the impact is more complex. The goals of this paper are to discuss the causes of the BE and investigate the potential benefit that information sharing offers for overcoming these problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The great challenge facing us today and in the future is best described as continuous renewal. This is an imperative that applies not only to business but also to science, government and society as a whole. In a fast changing global scenario all economies are being reshaped, businesses are being repositioned, green investments are growing and consumers are calling for cleaner world economy. High-speed, efficient and low-cost communication and the associated vastly increased availability of information have accelerated the process of market globalization and consequently intensified competition and increased the pressure on companies to improve productivity. The ability to change, to respond quickly and to be involved in shaping the changes that are taking place is more important than ever. An important first step is to take a systematic look at the future, in all its many aspects, and to examine what the implications are for today's strategies. In the chapter a holistic view of the development, changes and new directions in different economic areas (general trends, energy trends, materials and technology trends, transport, education, environment, customers, products, organization, security etc.) within a new full world context and vision is presented. The fair goal of the economy is to sustainably improve human well-being and quality of life. We have to change the current economic model using new vision and new measures to create a more sustainable and desirable future which cannot be based on the overconsumption. Reducing the dependency of our society on raw materials and energy consumption through increased material efficiency and innovative, resource-efficient product ideas are promising concepts for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many companies have enjoyed a significant success due to the unique ways in which they have organized their supply chains, which are one of the best ways to compete in today's marketplaces. For make-to-stock production systems the production plans and activities are based on demand forecasting. This is one of the key causes of the bullwhip effect. The bullwhip effect (BE) is the inherent increase in demand fluctuation up the supply chain. In the paper we experimented (by simulating) with a special case of a simple three-stage supply chain using seasonal and deseasonalized time series of the market demand data in order to identify, illustrate and discuss the impacts of different level constraints on the BE. The results are presented for different overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and constrained inventory policies. At higher OEE level there is less variability in production processes, but at inventory limitations the impact is more complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript has a two-fold purpose. First we want to introduce the project success concept in general. The concept of project success evolved in the last 50 years. The critical success factors for measuring project success have also changed. All these facts mean that it is very difficult to make unbiased decision on whether the project has been successful or not. In the second part of the manuscript we present the results of the survey research that we conducted among Slovenian companies in the years 2010 and 2011. We were keen to find out how are they prepared to implement projects in their environment. In the research we have focused on several project types (area, aim, novelty, importance) in various business environments (industry, size) and determined the success level of projects regarding different factors. This manuscript focuses mostly on project success of implementing projects in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results from a survey research performed in 72 medium and large-sized Slovenian manufacturing companies within mechanical and electro-mechanical industries. Nine crucial areas about 'lean' were identified based on a synthesis of literature review: value concepts, value stream mapping (VSM), kanban, flow, waste elimination, maintenance, customers, JIT, employee cooperation, development of excellent suppliers and lean design. For these nine areas questionnaire was designed and sent to general managers or managers responsible for lean projects. Survey research results are presented using descriptive statistics analysis for all nine critical areas. The results exposed the most important topics that should be practiced for effective lean manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this chapter we are looking at the future of economy. We live in a time of global changes and we are faced with changes and challenges in all the different spheres of our lives. Among the factors driving future developments are the desires for security and reliability, time and cost savings, increased convenience and improved quality of life. The increasing networking between different systems, the growing complexity of the systems and their dynamic interactions characterize the present situation. In the chapter a holistic view of the development, changes and new directions in different economic areas (general trends, energy trends, materials and technology trends, transport, education, environment, customers, products, organization, security etc.) within a new context is presented. In this new full world context and vision, we have to remember that the goal of the economy is to sustainably improve human well-being and quality of life. We have to change the current economic model using new vision and new measures to create a more sustainable and desirable future which cannot be based on the over-consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to examine characteristics of cooperation among manufacturing firms from Slovenia and Spain in R&D, production and services. The paper presents results from the largest European research on characteristics of manufacturing firms. The research is performed in more than 10 countries with an extensive survey in manufacturing firms with at least 20 employees. In this paper the results are analysed with the use of descriptive statistics. The results of the research are divided into three main parts. First we identified both countries' cooperation patterns and we compare our findings with some other European countries. Second we brings valuable additional information on each pattern and further data on detailed parameters, such as geographical proximity, networking, formality of cooperation and financial performance. Finally, we explore the relationship between cooperation and a special area of competitiveness, namely services. The main conclusion from the research was that Slovenian firms are engaging in cooperative agreements much more often than the Spanish ones. The paper presents several explanations of this fact. There are, however, some limitations of the research, especially in the service area: when observing the number of responses related to service performance measures only relatively few valid responses were accounted. The biggest value of the paper is the fact the most researchers focus just on R&D cooperation. The authors of this paper have included also other parts of manufacturing value chain, where a special emphasis is on the services as a very popular topic in today's operations management research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Job-shop scheduling is concerned with arranging processes and resources. Proper schedules are very important for the manufacturers, but can cause serious problems because of the enormous solution space. Pressure from the competitive enterprises is the main reason why time is becoming one of the most important success factors. The goal in this paper is the development of an algorithm for the Job-shop scheduling problem, which is based only on genetic algorithms. Our intention is to prove, that even a very simple genetic algorithm is capable for Jobshop scheduling. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated by solving practical problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter presents the existing state of cooperation issues among European manufacturing firms. We have conducted a survey within several European countries and asked their manufacturing firms with at least 20 employees if they are keen to cooperate with other firms and other institutions in the field of R&D, production, sales, distribution, education and training etc. The authors present results and interpret the cooperation patterns in different countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The job-shop scheduling is concerned with arranging processes and resources. Proper schedules are very important for the manufacturers, but can cause serious problems because of the enormous solution space. Pressure from the competitive enterprises is the main reason why time is becoming one of the most important success factors. Scheduling tools allow production to run efficiently. The goal in this paper is the development of an algorithm for the job-shop scheduling problem, which is based only on genetic algorithms. Our intention is to prove, that even a relatively simple genetic algorithm is capable for job-shop scheduling. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated by solving practical problems. The first problem consists of 10x10 instances (10 jobs and 10 machines) and the second one of 20x5 instances (20 jobs and 5 machines). The scheduling efficiency is measured by the time required to complete all jobs (makespan). In case of the first and the second problem, the best obtained solution (i.e., deviation from optimal solution) was 1.2 % and 4 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article has a twofold purpose. The first part deals with introduction of innovative high technology laser engineered net shaping (LENS) that offers a breakthrough in manufacturing, maintaining, and repairing products. It also presents many possibilities for the use of LENS technology, especially in the tool-making industry and for medical purposes. The second part presents a comparison of a product manufactured by conventional technologies and the same product manufactured by LENS technology. The product is a titanium alloy medical implant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superior supply chains are one of the best ways to compete in today's marketplaces. In Supply Chain Management, overall supply chain evaluation needs to include an important logistical effect known as the Bullwhip Effect. It shows how small changes at the demand end of a supply chain are progressively amplified up the supply chain. Production plans are based on demand forecasting and suppliers not only react on changed demand, they adapt the level of safety stock (variation of stocks and orders increases). In this paper two special situations in a four-stage supply chain are studied: i) stable demand with a single 5 % change in demand (with application of four different stock keeping policies), and ii) changing demand with alternating 5 % changes in demand (up and down, with another three stock keeping policies). The results of spreadsheet simulations are shown in tables and charts. Increasing variability of production orders and stock levels up the supply chain is evident. The Bullwhip Effect is measured by the standard deviation of orders. The comparison of the results shows that the Bullwhip Effect can be partially reduced by appropriate stock keeping policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the results of the microstructure observation of six different types of NiTi orthodontic wires by using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Within these analyses the chemical compositions of each wire were observed in different places by applying the EDS detector. Namely, the chemical composition in the orthodontic wires is very important because it shows the dependence between the phase temperatures and mechanical properties. Microstructure observations showed that orthodontic wires consist of nano-sized grains containing precipitates of Ti2Ni and/or TiC. The first precipitated Ti2Ni are rich in Ti, while the precipitated TiC is rich in C. Further investigation showed that there was a difference in average grain size in the NiTi matrix. The sizes of grains in orthodontic wires are in the range from approximately 50 to 160 nm and the sizes of precipitate are in the range from 0,3 µm to 5 µm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]