The diploma thesis focuses on the development of the internal production information system of the company Ravensburger Karton s.r.o. based in Polička. The work is divided into two parts, which is the design of an ERD diagram for database development in the data layer and parts of data presentation with user interaction in the presentation layer.

The diploma thesis deals with the design of a robotic workplace layout for finishing operations on the stator of an electric motor. Three variants of the workplace layout were created, these variants were evaluated, and then the most suitable variant was selected. Suitable subcomponents have been created for this variant, such as the end effector, deburring spindles, rotary stand and milling table. A risk analysis was also created for her to ensure the safety and protection of the operator. The most suitable variant was transferred to the Process Simulate software, where its functionality was verified and the real cell cycle was determined.

This work is focused on solving problems in Industry 4.0. Main part of this work describes development of a discreet simulation model based on queuing theory. This model will be used for a heuristic optimization of a production line. Model will be validated with data from real production line. Improvement of effectivity using discrete model and heuristic optimization will be shown on virtual production line.

The aim of this master’s thesis Simulator of Production Lines is to design a concept of the simulator of conveyor production lines with focus on testing control software for PLC and to implement this simulator. The thesis includes description of ready to use solutions available on the market, description of PLC control algorithm to be tested, designed concept of the simulator, description of the implemented software, demonstration of the simulator on a specific task and evaluation of its capabilities.

Traditional value stream mapping (VSM) is used to identify non-value-added (NVA) activities in lean production systems. However, VSM lacks flexibility and responsiveness due to its static nature, which limits its usage in complex and flexible production environments. Furthermore, in a production system, the internal logistics and production value streams are interconnected to each other. Therefore, they face the challenges of same nature such as poor material handling, lack of flexibility and lack of responsiveness. These challenges are disseminated from poor integration of internal logistics and production value streams. The lack of flexibility in VSM is discussed in previous research works to some extent but its lack of responsiveness has not received much attention. Similarly, poor material handling and lack of flexibility of internal logistics system are discussed extensively in previous research works; however, the lack of responsiveness of internal logistics has received very little attention. Furthermore, poor integration of internal logistics and production value streams has not received any attention in the previous research works. To overcome aforementioned challenges, this thesis emphasizes on combining digital technologies (e.g., RFIDs, sensors, barcodes, simulation and intelligent interfaces) with VSM and internal logistics system. However, there is very limited research that addresses improvement potentials in VSM and internal logistics system through digitalization. Therefore, this thesis aims to fill this gap by investigating the improvement potentials of digitalization for both value stream mapping and the internal logistics. In this regard, firstly the core challenges in value stream mapping and internal logistics system are identified. As a second step, possible improvement opportunities are identified in these two areas to increase the productivity of the production system through the adoption of digitalization. A qualitative research approach is performed in data collection methods such as observations and interviews. Furthermore, an empirical study is performed to provide an overview of the current production value streams and internal logistics system at a case company. The study concludes that the combination of VSM with simulation and real time data collection is vital to increase the flexibility and responsiveness of VSM. The improved flexibility and responsiveness of VSM will make it efficient to identify non-value-added activities. It is also discussed and demonstrated that the integration of internal logistics and production value streams can be improved through implementation of digital technologies such as AGVs, RFIDs/barcodes, IoT, data analytics and intelligent algorithms in the context of Industry 4.0. The improved integration of internal logistics and production value streams can improve the productivity of the production system to a large extent.

The topic of this Master thesis is ontologies and the methods of their design using OWL. The thesis aims to provide a manual on the design of ontologies and demonstrate the use of this manual in the environment of Industry 4.0. The actual manual is preceded by chapters presenting the used semantic web technologies from a state-of-the-art point of view. The work is concluded by the author's evaluation of the suitability of the use of given technologies. 1

Electrohydraulic drives are primarily used whenever a low power/weight ratio, a compact build and/or large forces are required for individual applications. These drives are often used together with electric drive technology in machines. However, in terms of automation, unlike electric drives, electrohydraulic drives are still largely connected via analog interfaces and centralized closed control loops today. To compensate for this competitive disadvantage of hydraulic drive technology and, at the same time, significantly enhance its performance and diagnostics capability, a consistent automation solution has been developed that can be configured for both centralized and decentralized solutions. This contribution firstly gives an overview over this complete solution already available and its classification in the automation world. In a second step, the subset of decentralized drive solutions contained therein is presented in more detail and their benefits are explained on the basis of some exemplary applications.

Zunächst wird ein Überblick über berufliche Herausforderungen für Menschen in der modernen Produktentwicklung (-> Industrie 4.0) gegeben. Anschließend wird ein allgemeines Rahmenmodell beschrieben, in dem (nicht nur) psychologische Faktoren dargestellt werden, die menschliches Fühlen, Denken und Handeln beeinflussen. Im dritten Abschnitt wird ein Blick über den Tellerrand geworfen: In der Luftfahrt sind sogenannte Crew Resource Management Seminare für Besatzungen von Verkehrsflugzeugen gesetzlich verpflichtender Teil der Personalentwicklung und Weiterbildung. Es wird der Frage nachgegangen, in wieweit Zielsetzung und Inhalte dieser Seminare auf das Setting und die Bedürfnisse eines in der modernen Produktentwicklung tätigen Menschen übertragen werden können. Diese Überlegungen münden in den Ansatz des sogenannten Personal Resource Management, der den in der Produktentwicklung tätigen Menschen dabei unterstützen kann, sich der ihm zur Verfügung stehenden Ressourcen bewusst zu werden und Wege zu finden, diese Ressourcen in einem komplexen Umfeld zielorientiert abzurufen und ntsprechende Leistungen zu erbringen und gesund zu bleiben.

With the ongoing transformation of modern manufacturing systems in an industry 4.0 environment, industrial actors may see great improvements with respect to quality towards a state of near zero defects. For the aerospace industry, where increased quality and reduced risk is strongly related, new technologies may be used in manufacturing to see to the increasing demands on products. The safety, as well as the manufacturing complexity of products and processes, make the collected measurement data an integral asset for enterprises within the aerospace industry. Collected data may be analysed using statistical tools and methods to improve process capability and, in extension, product quality. Communicating the need for zero defects, original equipment manufacturers demand increased capability from product and component manufacturers. Hence, zero defects are typically operationalised through exhibiting a process capability of Cpk= 2.0. In response to the challenge, GKN Aerospace need to raise the traditional process capability targets of Cpk=1.33. By employing an exploratory research strategy with a deductive approach, the thesis combines theoretical knowledge from the literature with empirical findings in a thematic analysis. The thematic analysis was conducted by employing six phases as suggested by Braun and Clarke (2006) and resulted in the identification of 50 codes from a total of 459 data extracts. Based on the empirical interview data, a framework for how zero defects is interpreted at GKN Aerospace was developed, which describes zero defects as a cycle. Taking into account that zero defects is operationalised through Cpk= 2.0, the cycle consists of six phases that start with a vision and is completed by delivering a true and reliable Cpk of 2.0. In addition, the codes from the thematic analysis were collated into a thematic mind map, focusing on key aspects of working with statistical process control (SPC) to support zero defects. Two main themes are presented in the mind map, statistical approach to improvement work; highlighting necessary aspects of statistical process control and measurability, and removing barriers for improvement; highlighting fundamental organisational barriers that impede proactive quality improvement. To support the findings and give a practical example of how process data may be presented and analysed using tools and methods within statistical process control, an SPC study was conducted on a set of data. In the SPC study, the construction and analysis of individuals Shewhart control charts and moving range charts were described in detail. These procedures provide better insights about process behaviour through statistical thinking and thus better knowledge on how to approach more proactive process improvements.

Purpose - The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how Industry 4.0, with a focus on automation, can influence the need for production personnel in production. Industry 4.0 is upon us, therefore it is interesting to see what importance does production personnel have for prodcution today? And how is the production staff's role in production affected by increased automation? Method - In order to fulfil the purpose of this thesis a study was made to enlighten the problem area. Together with literature study, a solid theoretical reference frame was created that further strengthens the problem area. Lastly, interviews were made with three businesses. Once all this information was gathered, an analysis was made, that lead to conclusions.  Findings - The result of this study shows that employees today are not as interchangeable as feared. The first step is semi-automation, but that does not equal the cancellation of the working man. Instead there will be a cooperation between the employees and machine. There is a risk that the number of employers in production will decrease, but machines will never replace them entirerly. The result shows that production personnel have no reason to fear technology or see it as a threat, beacuse the employee today is till an important resource.  Implications - According to the result, automation as a whole is not as big of a threat today as feared, the first step is instead semi-automation. Since the writer chose to look at bigger companies instead of focusing on smaller ones that lack the possibility to even out the difference between automation and production personnel, it might have been interesting to have their view of the matter. It might have shown a different result.  Limitations - This thesis strives to answer above mentioned questions, focus has been put on bigger, and more developed, companies. Furthermore, no attempt has been made to look closer at the employees of these companies, instead all interviews have been made with personnel working at an executive level as well as those knowledgeable in automation.