Key Perfromance Indicators (KPI) for the implementation of lean methodologies in a manufacture-to-order small and medium enterprise

This paper presents a key performance indicator (KPI) concept for the implementation of Lean methodologies in a manufacture-to-order (MTO) small and medium enterprise (SME). Within a case study the concept is developed and improved. The purpose of the measurement system is to monitor the early Lean implementation process. The paper explores the current literature about Lean performance measurement and discusses the critical success factors of a Lean implementation. It is suggested to integrate the performance dimension “leadership” into a KPI concept. The KPI concept consists of five dimensions: leadership, quality, costs, time and people respectively organisation. Additionally the Lean metrics “Process Velocity” and “Value Velocity” are presented and adapted to the specific requirements of a MTO environment. The application of the KPI concept in the case study is discussed. The benefit of an early integration of an appropriate KPI system during a Lean implementation could be confirmed

Finite Element Modelling of Hot Extrusion of TI-6AL-4V Alloy

A finite element (FE) model is developed in this paper for simulating the direct extrusion process of Ti-6Al-4V alloy under isothermal condition. The model takes into account the heat generation due to plastic deformation of the billet as well as the frictional heat in the billet-tool interface. A series of simulations have been conducted to investigate the effect of key process parameters on stress and strain distribution, maximum ram speed and maximum pressure applied to the die. The FE model has been compared with a theoretical model and the results show good correlation in terms of predicting ram load. The developed FE model can be used for investigating direct extrusion and selecting appropriate die design parameters for the process

A theoretical analysis for tube bulge forming using elastomer medium

A new theoretical model is presented in this paper for bulge forming of tubular components with solid bulging mediums. The model is based on the results of the friction model which was developed previously by one of the authors for rubber/metal contact and takes into account the effect of local contact conditions. FE simulations using commercial software ABAQUS are carried out for an axisymmetric tube bulging operation using the defined friction model. The comparisons of the results of the theoretical model and the FE simulations clearly show that the newly developed theoretical model is suitable for predicting forming pressure and stress in the tube. The effect of key process parameters such as the friction between the tube and the die, the tube initial thickness and the length of the ealastomeric rod on the results are investigated using theoretical and FE model

In-process strain measurement in Roll Forming

No abstrac

Parental stress before, during, and after pediatric stem cell transplantation: a review article

Goals of work: Pediatric stem cell transplantation (SCT) is a stressful treatment for children with relapsed or high-risk malignancies, immune deficiencies and certain blood diseases. Parents of children undergoing SCT can experience ongoing stress related to the SCT period. The aim of this article was to present a literature review of articles on parental distress and adaptation before, during, and after SCT and to identify risk and protective factors. Materials and methods: The review was conducted systematically by using PubMed, Web of Science, PsychInfo, and Picarta databases. Eighteen articles met our inclusion criteria: publishing date between January 1, 1990 and January 1, 2009; studies concerning parents of children undergoing SCT; studies examining the psychological adjustment and/or stress reactions of parents as primary outcomes and studies available in English. Main results: Highest levels of parental stress are reported in the period preceding SCT and during the acute phase. Stress levels decrease steadily after discharge in most parents. However, in a subgroup of parents, stress levels still remain elevated post-SCT. Parents most at risk in the longer term display highest levels of stress during the acute phase of the SCT. Conclusions: Psychosocial assessment before SCT, during the acute phase and in the longer term, is necessary to identify parents in need for support and follow-up care

Optimization of Pocket Design for extrusion with minimal defects

No abstrac

Key Perfromance Indicators (KPI) for the implementation of lean methodologies in a manufacture-to-order small and medium enterprise

This paper presents a key performance indicator (KPI) concept for the implementation of Lean methodologies in a manufacture-to-order (MTO) small and medium enterprise (SME). Within a case study the concept is developed and improved. The purpose of the measurement system is to monitor the early Lean implementation process. The paper explores the current literature about Lean performance measurement and discusses the critical success factors of a Lean implementation. It is suggested to integrate the performance dimension “leadership” into a KPI concept. The KPI concept consists of five dimensions: leadership, quality, costs, time and people respectively organisation. Additionally the Lean metrics “Process Velocity” and “Value Velocity” are presented and adapted to the specific requirements of a MTO environment. The application of the KPI concept in the case study is discussed. The benefit of an early integration of an appropriate KPI system during a Lean implementation could be confirmed