To improve product quality and reduce cost, batch production is often implemented in many exible manufacturing systems. However, the current literature does not provide any method to analyze the quality performance in a flexible manufacturing system with batch production. In this research, we present an analytical method with closed-form formula to evaluate the quality performance in such systems. Based on the model, we discover and investigate monotonic and non-monotonic properties in quality to provide practical guidance for operation management. To improve product quality, we introduce the notions of quality improvability with respect to product sequencing. In addition, we develop the indicators for quality improvability based on the data available on the factory floor rather than complicated calculations. We define the bottleneck sequence and bottleneck transition as the ones that impede quality in the strongest manner, investigate the sensitivity of quality performance with respect to sequences and transitions, and propose quality bottleneck sequence and transition indicators based on the measured data. Finally, we provide a case study at an automotive paint shop to show how this method is applied to improve paint quality. Moreover, we explore a potential application to reduce energy consumption and atmospheric emissions at automotive paint shops. By selecting appropriate batch and sequence policies, the paint quality can be improved and repaints can be reduced so that less material and energy will be consumed, and less atmospheric emissions will be generated. It is shown that such scheduling and control method can lead to significant energy savings and emission reduction with no extra investment nor changes to existing painting processes. The successful development of such method would open up a new area in manufacturing systems research and contribute to establish a solid foundation for an integrated study on productivity, quality and exibility. In addition, it will provide production engineers and operation managers a quantitative tool for continuous improvement on product quality in flexible manufacturing environment

Automotive industry is facing fundamental challenges due to the rapid depletion of fossil fuels, energy saving and environmental concerns. The need of sustainable energy development has motivated the research of energy reduction and renewable energy sources. Efficient use of energy in vehicle manufacturing is demanded, as well as an alternative energy source to replace gasoline powered engines. In this thesis, we introduce a case study at an automotive paint shop, where the largest amount of energy consumption of an automotive assembly plant takes place. Additionally, we present a summary of recent advances in the area of hybrid and electrical vehicles battery manufacturing, review commonly used battery technologies, their manufacturing processes, and related recycling and environmental issues. Our study shows that energy consumption in paint shops can be reduced substantially by selecting the appropriate repair capacity, reducing the number of repainted jobs and consuming less material and energy. Also, it is seen that considerable effort needs to be devoted to the development of batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles in the near future, which will make this area challenging and research opportunities promising.

In my diploma thesis I deal with elaboration of prospectus about promoting a new auto paint shop. The diploma thesis results from accumulated information, includes analysis of present state of general and departmental environs and evaluation a existing situation in this area and finding of market oportunity.

This thesis is focused on using discrete event simulation in a large plant in order to improve the control logic of the production department. Specifically it’s about the factory ŠKODA AUTO a.s. located in Mladá Boleslav and solved production node is the paint shop area. The chapters of this thesis are focused on used conveyor technology, basics of discrete event simulation, the subsequent development of a virtual model, design of simulation experiments and concept of a new solution. At the end of this work evaluation of proposed solution with comparison to the original solution is included.

The present dissertation is the design of a company's business plan, with a view to the construction of an automobile paint shop, with all the important factors such as economic and non-economic factors, and legislative changes in the branch taken into consideration. Last but not least, the economic standing of the company is also evaluated. The project is simultaneously assessed from the viewpoint of potential implementation of the proposed solution.

As manufacturing is creating welfare and prosperity, it is important for humankind. Nevertheless, manufacturing is causing the depletion of natural resources, environmental burdens affecting the health of animals, humans and eco-systems, and social conflicts. Thus, it is essential to implement sustainability into manufacturing. Paint shops are however known for being liable for a big part of the large energy consumptions within manufacturing. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate what cost-effective solutions can be implemented in paint shops in order to reduce the energy consumption in a sustainable manner. Hence, the aim of this study was to, from a manufacturing perspective identify possible cost-effective solutions for lowering energy consumption within paint shops. The aim was further divided into two research questions: • RQ1: What are the enablers for energy efficient paint shops? • RQ2: What are the challenges for energy efficient paint shops? The research approach used to answer the aim and research questions were a literature review and a case study. The literature review was performed to get a deeper understanding of the subject and was then complimented with the findings from the case study. The case study was performed at the paint shop of a global automotive manufacturing company in Sweden, which currently have a high energy consumption. The enablers identified were (1) implementation of solar photovoltaic, and an energy storage system, which enables an environmentally friendly way of generating energy on-site and store excess energy for later use. The energy storage system can also be used to save money by utilizing the fluctuating electricity market prices, charging the battery when the energy price is at its lowest. (2) Implementation of an UV-curing system and paint, which is an environmentally harmless method of curing paint. (3) Reducing or disabling the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of a building when it is not a necessity. (4) Workers commitment and motivation towards sustainability, to ensure everyone’s participation. The challenges identified were (1) the expensiveness of sustainability, allocating and prioritizing it in budgets is challenging for a company since profitability is always a major concern that often overshadows sustainability. (2) The risk of modifying the processes within the paint shop, as the consequences are unexplored. (3) In its current state, the energy consumption of the paint shop is very high, it is hence difficult to provide the whole paint shop with solely solar photovoltaic. (4) An energy storage system requires space and freeing up that space is a challenge without reconstructing existing facilities. (5) With implementation of UV- curing, the paint used must be curable with UV-light. Additionally, complex three-dimensional shapes make it challenging to properly cure evenly with UV-curing. (6) It is not guaranteed whether it is possible to completely shut down heating, ventilation and air conditioning since industrial equipment in general is designed to always run. (7) Sustainability is not a focus and even if it is increasingly requested by society, the commitment of companies is experienced as low. It is challenging to motivate all the employees to work towards sustainability and find ways to always keep sustainability in mind and to prioritize it over other alternatives.