Péter Tamás

Application of Value Stream Mapping at Flexible Manufacturing Systems

Nowadays the lean philosophy is very important in the improvement of the manufacturing processes. The value stream mapping is a fundamental lean device which can decrease the material-and information flow wastes. This paper introduces in details the static and dynamic value stream mapping’s method and it summarizes the application possibilities of these devices. There are numerous research directions in this topic which will be outlined in this paper.

New Challenges for Quality Assurance of Manufacturing Processes in Industry 4.0

Nowadays the flexibility and specific cost of manufacturing have a relevant role in the competitiveness of the companies. In our opinion the most important objective of Industry 4.0 is the realization of intermittent manufacturing at mass production’s productivity and specific cost. This aim can be only reached by creating more complex manufacturing systems. The increase in manufacturing complexity results in new challenges in the quality assurance of manufacturing processes. We can collect new types of data that enable the improvement of product and process service quality. This paper introduces the essence of Industry 4.0, as well as the new challenges for the quality assurance of manufacturing processes. Possible research directions for overcoming challenges are also presented.

Examining the Integration Possibilities for Lean Tools and Simulation Modeling

Nowadays the application mode of the tool and rule systems of the lean philosophy plays a relevant role in the competitiveness of companies. Basically, the advantage is realized by reduction of logistics wastes. In our opinion integration of the more important lean tools (VSM, SMED, Kanban) with simulation modeling may be necessary in many cases in order to increase efficiency in manufacturing/production processes. The paper presents these possibilities. In addition, it outlines research directions in connection with the examined areas.