Optimising process flow in manufacturing: a study on standardisation and equipment capacity

The Impact of Mobile Handheld Technology on Hospital Physicians' Work Practices and Patient Care: A Systematic Review

The advantages of using robot welding compared with traditional manual welding were introduced briefly in this paper. Taking the welding production of EMU bogie frame as an example, the process flow, welding process and the clamping method of workpiece of the bogie frame when using robot welding were analyzed in detail. From two aspects of welding quality and production efficiency, robot welding and manual welding were comparative analyzed.

Aim/Purpose . The quantitative comparative ex post facto research study covered in this paper aims to fill gaps in the literature by focusing on whether gender influences perceptions of leadership; diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA); and job satisfaction among federal employees within the Department of Justice using empirical data. The study also explores whether there are relationships between the perception of leadership and job satisfaction and the perception of DEIA and job satisfaction. Background. Since 2002, the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has administered the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS), which measures employee perceptions of whether and to what extent successful organizational conditions exist in their agencies. Areas currently assessed within the FEVS include training, job satisfaction, leadership effectiveness, management effectiveness, work-life balance, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The exploration of variations in perceptions of leadership, DEIA efforts, and job satisfaction among U.S. federal employees by gender and other criteria are crucial areas for research that are underrepresented in the literature. This is not only important for the United States federal government, which is grappling with high attrition rates, but also for public administrations around the world. Methodology. A quantitative ex post facto research design was used to analyze data from responses of U.S. federal employees working for the Department of Justice. Leadership, job satisfaction, and DEIA were all measured using aggregate scores from pre-determined question sets. Differences based on gender were analyzed using t-tests. Additionally, chi-squares and Spearman’s rank correlations were employed in order to explore whether there is a relationship between the perception of leadership and job satisfaction and the perception of DEIA efforts and job satisfaction among U.S. federal government workers. Contribution. The findings of this study aid in providing empirical data to support the need for federal government leadership to understand the impact of employees’ perceptions on their willingness to continue working in the federal government. The research study was grounded in Public Service Motivation Theory, which centers around factors that motivate individuals to pursue and maintain careers in the public service sector. More specifically, this study supported the public service motivation theory in that it looked at gender as a mitigating factor in public service motivation as well as explored the role of leadership and DEIA as a correlating factor to job satisfaction. The results of this research have practical implications for federal government leaders interested in increasing employee motivation and retention and who should be considering the range of sociocultural and demographic characteristics that have been found in the research to impact employee perceptions and experiences. Findings. The analyses found differences in perceptions of leadership, DEIA, and job satisfaction among United States Federal Government employees based on gender. Additionally, perceptions of leadership and DEIA were both found to influence job satisfaction. The first research question explored in this study used a t-test to consider whether the perception of leadership among U.S. federal employees differed based on participant gender with significance found. The second research question examined whether the perceived job satisfaction of U.S. federal employees differed based on gender, with statistical significance detected. The third research question focused on whether perception of DEIA differed when gender was explored and the results of the t-test indicated a significant difference in perceptions of DEIA when gender was considered. The fourth research question considered the relationship between the perception of leadership and job satisfaction. A Chi-square and a Spearman Rank Correlation were performed, and a relationship was found to exist. Research question five explored whether a relationship exists between the perception of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives and job satisfaction, with significance found following a chi-square and a Spearman rank correlation. Recommendations for Practitioners. Leadership behaviors of managers and the existence of DEIA policies play a critical role in employees’ job satisfaction and commitment. The recommendations for organizational leadership in the public service sector include addressing gender inequality in work practices and environments and cultivating more inclusive organizational cultures. Recommendations for Researchers. The lack of inclusion of socio-cultural norms in the research on public service motivation is a gap that has yet to be sufficiently addressed and is an area of research that should be explored. Impact on Society. Research on public service motivation in local, state, national, and international government employment can aid organizations in developing strategies for improving recruitment, selection, and retention in public service organizations. This information can advance scientific knowledge on transforming management and leadership practices across sectors. Future Research. Future research can expound on what has been done here by examining in more detail how various identities, and more specifically intersecting identities, within the LGBTQIA+ community as well as other historically marginalized groups, impact such factors as perceptions of leadership, job satisfaction, employee motivation and retention, and work-life balance. Perceptions of specific DEIA initiatives should also be further explored.

In the congregation office of GKE Palangka has not used computerized system, one of them is the management and storage of inventory data of goods. Workers have difficulty managing such a long time in data matching, data retrieval, report generation and presentation, and thus inefficient use of work time. The dominant factor is human error that occurs in processing data and storage and maintenance of paper-shaped documents. The method used is waterfall cycle method which is done through six stages, that is approach systematically and sequence starting from system requirement level then go to phase analysis, design, coding, testing / verification, and maintenance. With the existence of this Information System, the process on the data is done easily, so that the work of the employees in managing inventory data, especially in the field of professional performance asset increases.

The article examines the main aspects of using time management in enterprise's business practices to effectively use work and personal time. Defined the basic principles of time management and main problems of inefficient use of working time. Suggested the basic techniques of time management as practical tools for improving efficiency time.

The purpose of the study is to investigate and analyze the organizing skills of the heads of nursing services. Results. In the course of the research work, the following was identified: lack of skill in solving non-standard tasks; inability to express one's point of view if it contradicts the position of the leader; inefficient use of working time. Conclusion. The results of the study showed that the ability of the heads of nursing services to develop the organizing qualities depends on the length of professional activity and the qualification category of the respondents.

Predictable output performance that maximizes asset utilization is the cornerstone of successful volume manufacturing. The theory of constraints (Goldratt, 1985) uses the principles of covariance and dependent events to describe how equipment or operations that dominate factory performance should be managed. In practice, the 'true constraint' is elusive and is seldom the designed constraint. This paper introduces a new statistically based equipment performance management methodology called A80 which focuses on equipment or operation performance variability to rapidly identify and improve the 'true constraint' performance. The A80 methodology, initially developed at Intel's Fab 10 facility and subsequently adopted by all Intel 200 mm facilities, rejects the traditional use of average availability as a primary indicator of equipment performance and capacity because it provides no indication of stability, and thus invariably fails to prompt the correct response to performance inconsistencies. This paper describes the A80 concept, tools and methods developed in Fab 10 and uses data and case study materials to show how the methodology is successfully applied.

Long waiting lines are a frequent problem in hospitals’ Emergency Departments and can be critical to the patient’s health and experience. This study proposes a three-stage solution framework to address this issue: Process Identification, Process Optimization, and Process Simulation. In the first, we use descriptive statistics to understand the data and obtain indicators as well as Process Mining techniques to identify the main process flow; the Optimization phase is composed of a mathematical model to provide an optimal physician schedule that reduces waiting times; and, finally, Simulation is performed to compare the original process flow and scheduling with the optimized solution. We applied the proposed solution framework to a case study in a Brazilian private hospital. Final data comprised of 65,407 emergency cases which corresponded to 399,631 event log registries in a 13-month period. The main metrics observed were the waiting time before the First General Assessment of a physician and the volume of patients within the system per hour and day of the week. When simulated, the optimal physician scheduling resulted in more than 40% reduction in waiting times and queue length, a 29.3% decrease of queue occurrences, and 54.2% less frequency of large queues.

Background: Acute ischemic stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Mechanical thrombectomy has emerged as the gold standard for treatment in patients with large vessel occlusion, offering potential for significant neurological recovery. Timely reperfusion therapy is critical for brain tissue preservation, with shorter door-to-puncture times linked to better survival, reduced disability, and improved quality of life. Purpose: This quality improvement initiative aimed to achieve the American Heart Association’s door-to-puncture time of ≤60 minutes in ≥85% of eligible patients, regardless of arrival mode. Methods: An interdisciplinary team spearheaded this initiative, emphasizing enhanced communication and collaboration across care settings. Through a comprehensive review of existing processes, clinical practices, and data, the team pinpointed opportunities for optimization. Key interventions included strengthening prehospital EMS communication by implementing an escalation notification system based on the S-LAMS score, designating a dedicated emergency department room near the CT scanner for rapid neurological assessment of S-LAMS-positive patients, and prioritizing ongoing EMS education paired with a standardized feedback form for case-specific reviews to support triage accuracy and foster continuous quality improvement. Results: The initiative significantly improved stroke care, increasing the percentage of patients meeting the American Heart Association’s ≤60-minute door-to-puncture target by 106%. From January to May 2025, 33% of patients achieved the goal, with monthly rates rising from 0% in January and February to 40%, 50%, and 60% in March, April, and May, respectively, reflecting enhanced coordination, workflow efficiency, and sustained improvements in stroke care metrics. Conclusions: This performance improvement initiative demonstrated that interdisciplinary collaboration, targeted communication strategies, and process optimization can significantly enhance stroke care delivery. Strengthening partnerships with EMS and implementing streamlined workflows contributed to improved efficiency and alignment with national time-sensitive goals.

Masks for electron projection lithography (EPL) require the use of thin membranes for either stencil or all membrane scattering masks. The processes of forming the printable patterns before or after the membrane etch step are compared for EPL stencil masks. Image size uniformity and image placement distortions are characterized and indicate, with appropriate process optimization, either process flow is viable for EPL mask manufacture. Image size uniformity within individual membranes has achieved <10 nm (3σ) with the membrane flow process, and the magnitude of process induced image placement distortions is similar for both process flows. Stencil masks have also been fabricated with support rings. The masks with support rings show more repeatable absolute image placement, but the image placement distortion due to patterning is nearly identical for masks with or without a support ring.

Modeling and Optimization of Control Processes for Compressible Liquid Flow in Pipeline Systems

Energy consumption level is an important indicator to determine whether the process flow and process equipment are reasonable and optimal. Energy consumption levels of different gas plants and production units are different because of many influencing factors. Therefore, it is hard to evaluate the energy consumption levels of different gas plants and production units. Study has been done in this paper trying to solve this problem. Firstly, influencing factors of energy consumption in gas plants are analyzed and categorized by inherent factors and non inherent factors. Theoretical studies of energy consumption have been made as to each unit in gas plant. By studying of energy consumption technological process and mediums, models are built for each production unit and relevant correlations have been established. A new concept of "Baseline Energy Consumption Value (BECV)" for gas plant and process units is introduced. Secondly, the process parameters at Baseline operating condition for different production units are stipulated in accordance with relevant standards, recommended practices and optimized operating paramenters. Then the BECVs of each production unitand a gas plant can be calculated. Finally, three typical natural gas plants are taken as examples for calculating of BECVs. The calculation results are analyzed versus the actual energy consumption values. Then the energy consumption levels of each plant and unit can be evaluated. By the study of energy consumption of each production unitand gas processing plants, the bottlenecks of energy consumption in gas plants can be defined and the existing problems can be found. Plans for further process optimizations and energy saving modifications of process system can be made based on the evaluation results. The theory and methodology proposed can be further implemented to other fields including oil fields and refineries for energy saving management and process optimization.

In the present study, a biomimetics approach were used in all design stages of the improved bionic circular blade design. Finite element method is used in optimization. The analyzes were repeated theoretically until the best result was obtained. Samples were produced using the best obtained results, then tests were carried out. The heat treatment step was removed from the manufacturing flow of the bionic circular blade resulting an important cost reduction about 60% in the product. The bionic circular blade is designed to operate without sharpening. As a result, a patent application has been filed for the bionic circular knife developed within the scope of the study. Intellectual property right of the research was obtained with the patent number 2017/12077. The main results obtained in the present paper can be summarized as follows: the heat treatment step was removed from the manufacturing flow of the bionic circular blade. Thus, the 7-stage manufacturing flow followed for the standard circular knife has been reduced to 4 stages for the bionic circular knife. Due to the removal of heat treatment processes, the production time is decreased by 40%. For the improved bionic circular blade, a different material and optimized dimensions are used. As a result, material savings of around 76% is achieved with a material coast reduction of about 60%. The bionic circular blade is designed to operate without sharpening. For this reason, blindness problems currently experienced in the designed blade are not experienced. Research continues to increase the 10-hour application time achieved without the need for sharpening.

PurposeThis paper proposes a new metric, named Operational Space Efficiency (OpSE), intended to diagnose and quantify the inefficient use of floor space for stocking materials in industrial workstations. OpSE presents a formulation analogous to the well-known Overall Equipment Effectiveness and can be obtained as the product of three distinct indicators: Standard Compliance Effectiveness, Standards Selection Effectiveness and Design Space-usage Effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachThis indicator scrutinizes how usefully floor space in workstations is used to temporarily stock materials in the form of raw materials, semi-finished products, parts and components. It is suited for analyzing fixed-position layouts as well as product layouts typical of repetitive manufacturing settings, such as assembly lines in the automotive sector. The proposed indicator leverages an appropriate loss structure that features those factors affecting floor space utilization in workstations with regard to supplying and stocking materials.FindingsAn Italian manufacturer in the field of electro-technology was used as an industrial case study for the application of the methodology. The application shows how the three indicators work in practice, the effectiveness of OpSE and the methodology as a whole, in diagnosing floor space usage inefficiencies and in properly addressing improvement actions of the internal logistics in industrial settings.Originality/valueThe paper scrutinizes some important Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) dealing with space usage efficiency and identifies some significant drawbacks. Then it suggests a new, inclusive structure of losses and a KPI that not only measures efficiency but also allows to identify viable countermeasures.

Digital twin technology plays a crucial role in completing the virtual mapping of the physical workshop, enabling production monitoring and process optimization. New energy batteries are a form of green energy with advantages such as high energy density, environmental protection, and beneficial safety. The assembly line for new energy batteries is essential in efficiently obtaining battery packs of diverse varieties and high quality. This paper presents three assembly design schemes for square lithium iron phosphate battery packs as an example. By comparing the characteristics of different schemes, scheme C was selected as the preferred option for conducting three-dimensional modeling of the assembly line. This paper utilizes digital twin technology to create a digital representation of the battery pack assembly process. The process flow of the designed production line can be tested. The loading time, equipment idle time, fault time, blocking waiting time, material shortage waiting time, etc., of each workstation in the production line can be accurately calculated. Optimize the production process flow, reduce resource occupation, and save a large amount of human and material resources.