Manufacturing companies strive to minimize costs, maximize efficiency and improve production quality, which is crucial for market competitiveness. As companies grow and technologies evolve, increasingly complex challenges arise in effectively managing and improving production processes. One of the tools that helps companies improve their processes is value-stream mapping (VSM). The article focuses on the use of VSM in the production process of hand tools used in the construction industry. The paper presents selected aspects of the optimization of the production process using the mapping concept. The research identified and characterized the most important processes occurring in the production of hand tools used in construction. Then, basic data on the value stream was collected and the need for improvements and actions aimed at optimizing the value stream was indicated. Financial results, key performance indicators (KPIs), machine operation and reliability, energy consumption in the production process and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) before and after improvements were calculated. The analysis carried out allowed for the optimization of the production process in terms of economy and energy consumption. As a result of the improvements, the productivity of injection-molding workers increased by 9.4% and the overall equipment efficiency by 18%. The machine availability rate increased from 70.3% to 85.2%. After implementing the improvements, the company is able to save approximately 295,488 kWh annually, i.e., approximately EUR 53,253, while 1 kWh currently costs producers in Poland EUR 0.18. The conclusions and results described in the paper constitute a solid basis for further development of an improvement project for the selected company.

This paper presents the results of research on the determination of the influence of kinetic asymmetry of work rolls on structural changes in hot-rolled bimetallic sheet metals. The tests were conducted on bimetallic samples composed of materials 10CrMo9-10 + X2CrNiMo17-12-2. The scope of the research included a comparative analysis for two cooling variants: I in water (freezing the structure immediately after rolling) and II for cooling in air. The research conducted showed that the introduction of asymmetric conditions to the rolling process results in a greater grain fragmentation in the so-called hard layer and does not have a negative effect on microstructural changes in the soft layer.

The aim of the research was to determine the possibility of producing and using layered composites made of aluminum and magnesium alloys Al1050-AZ31-Al1050. The use of layered composites often results from economic conditions. The work analyzed the current research, technological and production...

The paper presents a comprehensive identification and assessment of occupational hazards related to the operation of robotic welding systems. New technology fundamentally improves quality and accuracy of welds, especially precise narrow seams connecting thin sheets or profiles. The paper draws attention to typical occupational hazards occurring in the workplace, as well as those resulting from the use of robotic welding devices. Risk assessment was performed using the commonly used RISK SCORE method. Moreover, as part of our own research, the employee’s reliability levels were determined by determining the probability of making a mistake. The human factor reliability study was carried out using HRA (Human Reliability Analysis) methods. The classic TESEO and HEART approaches have been expanded to include additional factors, such as human-machine interface (HMI), cognitive load, quality of documentation and procedures, and task ambiguity. This addition addresses a significant methodological gap in classic HRA analyses, which have so far overlooked these key aspects that influence the effectiveness and safety of human-robot interactions.

Provision of professional work is very often associated with the worker's exposure to the occurrence of various types of threats. Some of the most important include those related to physical overload. Excessive strain on the musculoskeletal system can lead to muscle, ligament and tendon injuries. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the workplace in terms of its ergonomics. This paper presents the assessment of the load of the worker's movement system using the REBA method, which takes into account the location of: head with neck, torso, lower limb, as well as hands with the wrist, forearm and arm.

This paper presents the development of the transport industry and indicates its leading role in the economic development of the country and the world. The paper analyzes the structure of the transport market in Poland and Europe, indicating its dynamic development despite the existing challenges related to fuel prices. The main objective is to assess fuel price fluctuations in the context of the activities of transport companies, in particular those performing land transport within the European Union. The assessment is conducted from the perspective of the operational activities of transport companies. This research aimed to identify the impact of fuel prices on companies operating costs, analyze the economic factors influencing fuel prices, and assess the general situation in the transport market. In addition, the research also examined the opinions of entrepreneurs on how they cope with the current fuel crisis. Achieving the research goal required the preparation and administration of surveys among representatives of transport companies. The study involved 71 companies registered in Poland. The paper contains selected statistical data along with their interpretation, providing an introduction to further research in the field of identification and assessment of the degree of impact of fuel price fluctuations on the operational activities of transport companies. The research methodology focused on statistical analysis using the Pearson correlation coefficient and one-way ANOVA. This paper fills a gap in the literature on the impact of fuel price fluctuations on the activities of sports enterprises. The innovative element of the paper is the inclusion of entrepreneurs opinions on the fuel crisis and their assessment of the degree of impact of changes on the operating costs and strategic management of transport enterprises. Considering these opinions provides the unique value of the conducted scientific considerations.