Dynamic supply chains (SC) are important to reduce inventory, enable the flow of materials, maximize profits, and minimize costs. This research work presents a capacity–inventory management model via system dynamics for a dynamic supply SC, applying model-based optimal control techniques. In the context of high-volume manufacturing (HVM) that present low variability and predictable demand, for mathematical modeling purposes, a set of coupled first-order ordinary differential equations, with an analogy from the mixing problem, is presented, which relates capacity and inventory levels, taking into account a production rate at each node of interaction. The application of ordinary differential equations via the mixing problem (or compartmental analysis) is important based on the idea of a balance between the influx and outflux of raw material along the supply chain. A proper literature review on optimal control for supply chains is analyzed. The mathematical model introduced is presented in a linear time-invariant (LTI) state-space formulation. Stability analysis for the dynamic serial SC is presented, and a sensitivity analysis is also conducted for the capacity and production rate parameters considering the effects of variations in parameters along the SC. An energy-based optimal control is also developed with proper simulations.

Machine workshops generate high scrap rates, causing non-compliance with timely delivery and high production costs. Due to their natural characteristics of a low volume, high-mix production batches, and serial and parallel configurations, generally the causes of their failure are not well documented. Thus, to reduce the scrap rate, and evaluate and improve their reliability, their system characteristics must be considered. Based on them, our proposed methodology allows us to evaluate the system, subsystem, and component–subsystem relationship by using either the Weibull and/or the exponential distribution. The strategy to improve the system performance includes reliability tools, expert interviews, cluster analysis, and root-cause analysis. In the application case, the failure sources were found to be mechanical and human errors. The component maintenance/setup, institutional conditions/attitude, and subsystem process/operation were the machine factors that presented the lowest reliability indices. The improved activities were monitored based on the Weibull β and η parameters that affect the system reliability. Finally, by using a life–effort analysis, and the method of comparative analysis of two sequential periods, we identified the causes that generated a change in the Weibull parameters. The contribution of this methodology lies in the grouping of the tools in the proposed application context.

Agri-food supply chains have experienced notable changes in recent decades, with tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) maintaining their status as a key global crop in terms of both production and consumption. These supply chains comprise a complex network of stakeholders—including producers, processors, distributors, and retailers—who collectively ensure the delivery of tomatoes from farms to consumers. This study develops mathematical models of agri-food tomato supply chains (AFTSCs) and examines their behavior through stability analysis and dynamic simulations based on a compartmental approach. Furthermore, the environmental impact is evaluated using a sustainability index, to which the waste diversion rate is introduced. This metric is defined as the proportion of diverted waste (i.e., materials recycled, reused, or composted) relative to the total waste generated, thereby enabling the quantification of sustainability performance within the system. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted on the proposed dynamical models to validate and reinforce the findings.

This chapter discusses the definitions of environmental design, design for remanufacturing (DfR), as well as a case study to demonstrate the convergent point between these topics. Many products that are currently remanufactured were not designed with this objective, generating a complicated process that requires that the manufacturing engineers develop in a corrective way, modifications in the original design of the products related to its components and the process. The case study analyzes a product that was not originally designed as remanufacturable. The decision was made to develop a reconstruction process that fulfilled the characteristics of remanufacturing. Finally, in applying the DfR, it was possible to expedite the remanufacturing so that material planners do not fear to run out of good parts and have to order the purchase of new product, decrease the use of assembly details that are purchased at a high price, and thus save on the cost of remanufacturing. Analyzing this case and applying DfR implied a savings of 37% compared to the initial process that did not apply this tool.

Companies are in constant search of greater productivity and better use of resources; however, they have neglected the human being. In this regard, it is important to analyze the presence of the psychosocial factors to which workers are exposed at all levels. These factors exert both a positive and a negative influence and indeed turn into a risk when they are not in balance with worker capabilities. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the psychosocial factors present in the manufacturing industries. The methodology consisted of conducting a search in two databases in addition to government pages. A combination of keywords was used for the search, and each publication was classified according to the factors analyzed, the type of evaluation, and the area of application. Out of all 2,468 publications found, eight were selected. Finally, work-related psychosocial factors were found to be the most analyzed.

This research communication presents an analysis of dynamic supply chains (DSCs). The main goal of model-based cybertronics is to approximate, via a mathematical model from a dynamical system, the dynamics and behavior of dynamic supply chains. This considers that is at the operational level, where automation and control theory approaches take an insight —in this case, via Lyapunov stability—as a way to extend the use of mechatronic systems. Three case studies are presented: Firstly, the mathematical modeling and stability analysis of the ball-and-beam problem, as an approximation of a two echelon supply chain. Secondly, the mathematical modeling and stability analysis of a cold chain with temperature monitoring, and its relationship to inventory levels, are presented. From a theoretical perspective, applying model-based cybertronics in DSCs has direct practical implications: it improves operational control, enhances decision-making, and optimizes inventory management, particularly in cold chains. By treating high-volume supply chains as dynamical systems, managers can anticipate fluctuations and quantify efficiency. Finally, Lyapunov stability analysis ensures that models reliably reflect real-world behavior, enabling automation and predictable performance at an operational level in DSCs.