The presented article deals with the issue of solving bottlenecks in the logistics flow of a manufacturing company. The Tx Plant Simulation software tool is used to detect bottlenecks and deficiencies in the company’s production, logistics and transportation systems. Together with the use of simulation methods and lean manufacturing tools, losses in business processes are eliminated and consequently flow throughput is improved. In the TX Plant Simulation software environment, using Bottleneck analyzer, bottlenecks were defined on the created simulation model and a method of optimizing logistics flows was designed and tested by introducing the Kanban pull system. This resulted in an improvement and throughput of the entire logistics flow, a reduction in inter-operational stocks and an increase in the efficiency of the production system as a whole.

Taking into consideration the quality of air, it is necessary to ensure a continued reduction of the gaseous emissions that are produced by the maritime transport. The most effective solution of this serious worldwide problem is application of a suitable fuel mixture, which contains a bio-component, i.e. the biofuel. The presented scientific study is focused on influence of the biofuels on production of the gaseous emissions in the case of a diesel auxiliary engine, which is used in the ship transport. There were created various fuel mixtures with different content of the bio-component in order to investigate their emission characteristics. The individual experimental measurements were performed at the different engine loading levels and using a variable engine speed spectrum. The obtained results demonstrated a significant influence of the fuel mixtures on the whole combustion process, on the heat release process, on the pressure time behaviour as well as on the engine emission characteristics.

The paper is focused on the area of the constantly evolving industrial revolution both at the level of individual local economic opportunities and on a global scale. One of the tools of this time called Industry 4.0 is the TestBed 4.0 technology, which helps in its development and opens up opportunities for its use both in research and in practice in manufacturing companies. The paper describes the possibilities and capabilities of the laboratory, which was established as the first of its kind in the Slovak Republic on the campus of the Technical University in Košice in order to combine research activities with practical use directly in the production business processes. Its role is also to involve students in these processes, who, based on the acquired knowledge and experience, will strengthen their position in the labour market after completing their studies. The paper includes a description of available technologies, as well as several case studies carried out at the workplace where this laboratory is located, mainly in the field of industrial and digital engineering.

This paper addresses the design of production expansion by using simulation to optimize production and storage capacities. The primary objective is to apply the Siemens Tecnomatix Plant Simulation software version 2404 to analyze the current production process, identify potential bottlenecks, and propose improvements. The methodology involves the use of simulation to create digital models of the production process, allowing for the detection of issues and evaluation of alternative solutions without interfering with ongoing production. The novelty of this approach lies in its ability to test and optimize the production flow digitally, ensuring a smoother transition to expanded capacities. Several alternative scenarios for production expansion were developed using Siemens Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, with a focus on verifying production volumes, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing the necessary machines and technological equipment. The results of the simulations are used to assess the proposed improvements, while the layout of the process is optimized for efficient material flow. The paper also presents 3D models as part of the solution proposal. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of simulation-based design for expanding production systems, offering a methodology that can be applied to similar manufacturing processes.