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Lean is applied in automobile companies to reduce lead time and waste through value stream mapping. Industry 4.0 is a process of industrial systems revolution in companies driven by digitalization and data-oriented techniques. The combination of both is called Lean 4.0. In this sense, the purpose of this paper is to attend Ultra-Light Steel Auto-body (ULSAB) automotive requirements through Lean 4.0 framework applied in the fabrication of B-pillar by hot stamping. Optimization algorithms are important to simulate different scenarios and interact with these processes. The proposal was developed in the case study by assessments based on semi-structured questionnaires, analysis of records and documents. The findings showed overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) was increased by 41.5%. The contribution of this work was to meet ULSAB automotive requirements for hot stamping process by reducing vehicle weight while increasing structural strength.

This study proposes an adaptability index system for product development to enhance engineering system management. The index system takes into account the need to reduce the time required to market new products. The adaptability index is defined by the relationship between the time to develop a current product and the time to develop a subsequent (next) one, so that the recommended index will be useful when a new product with shorter execution times than those of the previous one is introduced into the product design and manufacturing process. Implementing an adaptability system’s parameters are derived from responsiveness, competitiveness, engineering, and marketing activities as reflected in adaptability indices. The study’s methodology is case study through questionnaires, interviews, and records. The authors recommend increasing adaptability by reducing complexity through computer-integrated manufacturing, standardization, and others methodologies. The significant outcome based on the case study is the assessment that is enabled by the proposed adaptability index. This index will guide engineering companies in the selection of the most relevant development processes, protocols, production tools, and procedures aimed at reducing the time-to-market required to generate new products, thus allowing it to meet market demand, increase product diversification, and reduce product lifetimes.

The main goal of this paper is to present a model for process management in a quality management system (QMS) based on ISO TS 16949 in an automotive sector body parts company, through the study of a case in which it was possible to establish its implementation. Data were collected by the authors who also coordinated the implementation process of the methodology presented. The study was conducted into two steps: initially, it an analysis of the QMS compliance was prepared with the requirements of ISO TS 16949 along with the theoretical reference, the reasons for the lack of requirements was analysed and a corrective action plan was implemented simultaneously for the requirements not satisfied. As a result, a better understanding of the managers on the process approach was noted and an improvement on the effectiveness of the quality management system was detected through subsequent audits and improvement on performance of process indicators.

Impedance spectra of a symmetrical cell with SOFC cathodes (LSM-YSZ/YSZ/LSM-YSZ) and an anode supported planar SOFC (Ni-YSZ/YSZ/LSM-YSZ) were collected at OCV at 650{degree sign}C in air (cathode) and humidified (4%) hydrogen (anode), over 155 hours. The impedance was affected by degradation over time in the same frequency range for both cells (~10 Hz), possibly indicating that the same physical process was affected in both types of cell. However, deconvolution of the impedance data was not straightforward. When n-values of the constant phase elements in the otherwise identical equivalent circuit for the full cell were changed slightly, very different results were obtained, showing the high sensitivity of the fitting procedure. Therefore, the equivalent circuit applied should be refined further, requiring comparison of impedance data of the cells at higher temperature (750, 850{degree sign}C).