This book provides readers with a timely snapshot of human factors research and methods fostering a better integration of technologies and humans during the whole manufacturing cycle, giving a special emphasis to the quality and safety of the industrial environment for workers, the efficiency of the manufacturing processes itself, the quality of the final product, and its distribution to and use by the customers. It discusses timely issues relating to the automation of the manufacturing processes, and the challenges imposed by the implementation of industry 4.0, additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies. Contributions cover a range of industrial sectors, such as the automotive, health and constructions ones, highlighting both organizational and engineering solutions fostering sustainability, globalization, customization, workers’ well-being and consumers’ satisfaction, among other issues. Based on the AHFE 2021 Conferences on Human Aspects of Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Production Management and Process Control, and Additive Manufacturing, Modeling Systems and 3D Prototyping, held virtually on 25–29 July, 2021, from USA, this book, which merges ergonomic research and technical know-how in the field of manufacturing and product design, addresses a wide range of engineers, designers and professionals, dealing with the integration of technologies and humans in the factories of the future.

Despite the numerous competitive advantages of one-of-a-kind production (OKP), the low efficiency and high costs associated with OKP companies threaten to push their business opportunities into the hands of cheaper overseas suppliers. One-of-a-Kind Production introduces a novel strategy and technology to help OKP companies to efficiently mass-produce customized products. In One-of-a-Kind Production, case studies from OKP companies are used to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the OKP strategy and technology. These case studies include: a structural steel construction company, a manufacturer of specifically ordered compressors and refrigeration systems, a customized high pressure vessel manufacturing company, and a custom window and door manufacturer. To help readers understand OKP strategy and technology, the authors offer a year’s free access to the OKP Management and Control Software System. This system is based on a new integrated production control and management concept, namely product production structure. It is a useful tool – and One-of-a-Kind Production is a valuable guide – for production engineers and managerial staff in manufacturing companies, as well as for university researchers and graduate students.

With the advent of disruptive digital technologies, companies are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Advanced manufacturing systems are of paramount importance in making key enabling technologies and new products more competitive, affordable, and accessible, as well as for fostering their economic and social impact. The manufacturing industry also serves as an innovator for sustainability since automation coupled with advanced manufacturing technologies have helped manufacturing practices transition into the circular economy. To that end, this Special Issue of the journal Applied Sciences, devoted to the broad field of Smart Sustainable Manufacturing Systems, explores recent research into the concepts, methods, tools, and applications for smart sustainable manufacturing, in order to advance and promote the development of modern and intelligent manufacturing systems. In light of the above, this Special Issue is a collection of the latest research on relevant topics and addresses the current challenging issues associated with the introduction of smart sustainable manufacturing systems. Various topics have been addressed in this Special Issue, which focuses on the design of sustainable production systems and factories; industrial big data analytics and cyberphysical systems; intelligent maintenance approaches and technologies for increased operating life of production systems; zero-defect manufacturing strategies, tools and methods towards online production management; and connected smart factories.

IJPHM Special issue on Wind Turbine PHM is the first special issue that discusses the state-of-the-art in PHM of wind turbine systems. This Special Issue contains 14 excellent papers that highlight a wide range of current research and application topics related to wind turbine PHM. Fault diagnostics is an important aspect of wind turbine PHM. Eight papers included in this special issue deal with fault diagnostics of different parts of a wind turbine. Each of these papers presents different fault diagnostic techniques and sensing technologies.

In today's fast-paced and competitive manufacturing landscape, industries worldwide face the pressing challenge of optimizing production processes to meet ever-growing demands for efficiency, quality, and sustainability. Traditional manufacturing systems often need help to meet these demands, leading to inefficiencies, quality issues, and increased costs. To address these challenges, there is a critical need for a comprehensive understanding of advanced production management principles, such as the Toyota Production System (TPS) and its evolution into the Advanced TPS. Revolutionary Automobile Production Systems for Optimal Quality, Efficiency, and Cost serves as a definitive guide for scholars seeking to understand and implement the principles of TPS and Advanced TPS in modern manufacturing management. By offering a deep dive into these systems' philosophy, theory, and practical applications, the book equips readers with the knowledge and tools needed to revolutionize their manufacturing processes. Whether you're a scholar looking to expand your knowledge or a practitioner seeking to enhance your organization's manufacturing capabilities, this book offers a compelling solution to modern manufacturing challenges.