Marta Grabowska

Analysis of the Conditions for Effective Use of Numerically Controlled Machine Tools

The paper demonstrates that the effective replacement of conventional machine tools with numerically controlled machinery (CNC) requires the simultaneous conducting of actions related to organization and control of production, management of human resources, and tool economy. The direct costs of machining for a selected group of surgical tools, performed with the use of conventional, as well as CNC machinery, were analyzed. The assumptions adopted for the analysis of profitability of machinery park restructuring were compared with the actual costs generated after a year from implementing the project.

Assessment of Quality Management System Maturity

Quality management in a manufacturing company is manifested by specific activities, which can be less or more efficient. The authors of this paper assume that level of efficiency is an indicator of the maturity [1] of a quality management system (QMS). The aim of this paper is to present a technique developed by the authors to assess the maturity of a quality management system. The technique is based on an original, generalized model of quality costs in which the QMS maturity is a variable and quality costs are an output quantity. This procedure provides a strategy to assess the maturity of processes and indicate areas and potential of improvement.