Bicycle Manufacturers Research Articles

Aluminum Circular Economy in the Bicycle Industry

Abstract From a traditional perspective, Bicycles are considered low-carbon emission transportation tools for commuting and traveling. This study analyzes aluminum recycling pathways within the bicycle manufacturing process to illustrate the bicycle circular economy model for the industry stakeholders to better understand the roadmap for improving from manufacturing to recycling. The goal is to promote the bicycle industry's sustainable development by achieving economic benefits and environmental protection. A comprehensive analysis of the entire lifecycle of the bicycle manufacturing process including production, usage, and recycling, was conducted for future application and manufacturing improvement. This research identifies existing technical barriers, policy limitations and restrictions, and issues related to market acceptance. In response to these challenges, a framework is proposed to draw a roadmap for the industry to make informed decisions on circular-economy-centered practices. This approach encourages companies to improve carbon emission efficiency to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the bicycle industry. JEL classification numbers: L11, M10. Keywords: Carbon Emission Efficiency, Circular Economy, Aluminum Recycling, Sustainability.

ANALISIS KESELAMATAN DAN KESEHATAN KERJA (K3) MENGGUNAKAN METODE HAZARD AND OPERABILITY STUDY (HAZOP) DI PT. RODA PASIFIK MANDIRI

PT Roda Pasifik Mandiri is a manufacturing company engaged in the bicycle manufacturing industry so that the risk of work accidents is quite high. This research discusses the analysis of Occupational Safety and Health (K3) using the Hazard And Operability Study (HAZOP) method. The purpose of this study is to identify the potential hazards of work accidents, provide a risk assessment of the hazard sources contained in the E-Bike production area of PT Roda Pasifik Mandiri and provide recommendations for improvements to hazard sources that have extreme and high risk values. Data analysis using descriptive data analysis method with HAZOP. The results showed that there are 8 potential and sources of hazards found in the E-Bike production area of PT Roda Pasifik Mandiri. Based on the risk assessment, it shows that the risk of hazard sources in the E-Bike production area of PT. Roda Pasifik Mandiri includes Extreme Risk, namely at the pointed corners of the frame, High Risk, namely in the cutter blade, gerindra machine, and worker attitude. Moderate Risk is on bicycle frames, raw material cartons piling up, impact machines and compressor dust.

TIME Bicycles is teaming up with KraussMaffei to modernize composite bicycle manufacturing

On May 22, 2023, TIME Bicycles announced that with the help of KraussMaffei, the manufacturing process of its bicycles is being optimized from a technical standpoint. To achieve this, the largest carbon bicycle factory in the US is being built in Spartanburg County (South Carolina).

Integrated lean and ergonomic assessment for the planning of human-centered factories

This research proposes an approach for evaluating human-centered work processes by combining Value Stream Mapping and ergonomic assessment of physical workload. Value Stream Mapping is a method used to create a visual representation of the flow of materials and information required to deliver a product, and aids in identifying potential bottlenecks and other constraints. However, it does not consider the effect of physical ergonomics on process execution and planning. To bridge this gap, the Ergonomic Assessment Worksheet screening tool is used to gain insight into unfavourable physical workload situations. The proposed approach follows five main steps: (i) scope definition, (ii) Value Stream Map, (iii) time study, (iv) ergonomic assessment, (v) combined analysis. A case study is conducted at a bicycle manufacturer to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach in quantifying the impact of physical ergonomics on process performance. The method enables a systematic analysis of process chains to identify critical steps from both lean and ergonomic perspectives, emphasizing the importance of worker's physical well-being and the ability of ergonomic assessment methods to enhance Value Stream Maps.

Reverse Logistics: An Analysis of Business Communication on Discarding Electrical Bicycle Batteries

Reverse post-consumer logistics is a process that consists of returning certain goods to the production chain. There is to provide an appropriate and sustainable destination for a series of items that would most likely be discarded inappropriately. Since the sanction of the National Solid Waste Policy in 2010, it has been mandatory for companies to structure reverse logistics programs and communicate to their consumers about what to do after the end of their products. Four Brazilian companies in electric bicycle manufacturers have become the object of this study. We did research through the consumer’s view of this good to diagnose the communication of reverse logistics programs of the chosen companies. In addition, the study was complemented with an analysis of the potential market, identifying whether reverse logistics is a competitive advantage. The results show that the four studied companies are not in accordance with current legislation. Through the questionnaire results with 238 people, we conclude that it is a competitive advantage for the company to disclose the destination of its post-consumption product.

Activation of the groundswell in the segment of bicycle manufacturers

In addition to the massive home office, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought an enormous increase in the popularity of outdoor activities. This was also reflected in the very high demand for bicycles and accessories for cyclists, which led to the groundswell effect and an increase in fan interaction and engagement within the social media profiles of bicycle manufacturers. The research design in the present paper contains a consistent and synergistically balanced share of qualitative and quantitative methods. Within the theoretical background, methods of analysis of sources from leading authors are used, especially from articles based on leading scientific journals and proceedings. The practical part uses quantitative methods in the form of data collection through the tools Zoomsphere and Socialblade. The selection of assessed business entities consisted of a ranking of profitability and evaluation according to the leading portal designed for the segment of cyclists. The findings point to the content structure of profiles on social media in the segment of bicycle manufacturers. They also point to the content structure of the best contributions on these social media and to the recommendations in the form of categories for the bicycle manufacturers segment. The authors also define the best types of posts for future content in that segment. Domestic and global businesses in this segment require knowledge of the laws on social media in the form of user behavior and the groundswell effect. The limits of the findings are in the selection of business entities, which were selected on the basis of profitability and evaluation according to the leading cycling portal, also within the limits of social media analysis and management tools. Despite the above facts, the added value exceeds the limits within the author's contribution. The originality of the paper is based mainly on the fact that the selected segment from the point of view of the groundswell effect is unexplored. It is important to examine this segment, especially due to the high demand for products in this segment and the relentless interest in the form of user interactions.

Avoiding Covid-19 Using a 3D Digital Mock Up and Augmented Reality with Cobot in Digital Factory

The Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0 is extremely relevant and important in manufacturing for several reasons. Failing to adopt the technology of the Fourth Industrial Revolution can cause organizations to fall behind, as their operations are not digitized enough in benchmarking competitors. A major industry as bicycle manufacturing needs to be transformed into a digital factory in order to keep up with the evolving technology. The objectives of this research are in designing a 3D digital mock up and Augmented Reality (AR) for bicycle frame production in the form of digital factory for increasing production capability by decreasing the break-even point whilst avoiding Covid-19 contraction using Tecnomatix Plant Simulation and Unity 3D programs. This research constructed three alternative digital factory layouts that are designed by using a 3D simulation program. The risk of Covid-19 contraction points and the three layouts of cost per unit are analyzed. The results show that the break-even point of the first to the third layouts with Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) are 26,580, 26,322 and 25,354 units respectively. The result of the risk about Covid-19 contraction points from the first to the third layout with AGV are 21,272, 2,872 and 0 points respectively. This means the most appropriate layout for bicycle frame production is the third layout due to the best break-even point that can significantly avoid Covid-19 contraction. The benefit of this research is to integrate a 3D digital mock up, AR and Cobot including AGV to assist the resilience of operations with a dynamic industrial environment.

Transforming R&D in a world-leading bicycle company (1972–2016): the dynamic capabilities perspective

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the transformation of research and development (R&D) in a world-leading Taiwanese bicycle manufacturing firm, the Giant Company, over the last four decades. A dynamic capabilities framework is proposed that focuses on seizing corporate strategy (business model and internationalisation) and on reconfiguring the organisation of R&D (structure and capability development). A longitudinal methodology is applied to examine the Giant Company by tracking its history from its establishment to the present (1972–2016). Interviews with the chief technology officer (CTO) and top managers as well as internal documentation are used to analyse the case. The results indicate that a fine alignment between the seizing corporate strategy and reconfiguring the organisation of R&D successfully transformed the Giant Company from an engineering-based organisation (1972–1987) to a development-based organisation (1987–1999) and then to a research-based organisation (2000 onwards). The paper concludes that the R&D transformation can be wider and more cyclically integrated with corporate strategy through the dynamic capabilities approach. Theoretical and managerial implications are suggested.

Forecasting Needs Of Mountain Types Of DDD Bike Using The Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Model Approach

One of the bicycle manufacturers in Indonesia, namely PT. DDD is a manufacture engaged in the production of various types of bicycles with a make to stock production system. Market demand that fluctuates every year results in a lack of readiness to meet market needs. So a re-planning is needed in order to meet all market demands. The Box Jenkins statistical method, the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model, is one of the appropriate approaches to solve problems at PT. DDD. The advantages of the SARIMA model can be used to forecast seasonal or non-seasonal time series simultaneously. The best SARIMA model approach to forecasting demand for mountain bikes at PT. DDD is SARIMA (0,0,0)(0,1,1)12 with the equation Zt=Zt-12+ΘQat-12+at with the smallest MAPE value of 32.35%. So that the model is said to be feasible to predict mountain bikes and the model can predict up to 12 periods in 2021.

Analisis Gaya Hidup Hedonis, Harga, dan Kualitas Produk serta Pengaruhnya terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Sepeda di Era Pandemi Covid-19

The Pandemic Covid-19 makes many people have to live their lives by starting new habits. The form of activity to maintain the health of the body is to exercise. Cycling is one of the trending sports that people love during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was noted that there was a demand for the domestic bicycle market. Bicycle manufacturers are experiencing intense competition. They compete to provide bicycles of good quality at competitive prices. The existence of this tren raises the community's hedonic lifestyle, such as shopping activities and hunting bicycles for fun. The purpose of this research to analyze the effect of hedonic lifestyle, price, and product quality on United's bicycle purchase decisions in Tulungagung Regency. This study uses a sample of 220 respondents who live in Tulungagung Regency with male and female genders of at least 16 years. The sampling method was judgmental sampling with a Likert scale as a measuring instrument. The analysis in this research uses multiple linear regression equation models with SPSS 26. The results showed that the variables of hedonic lifestyle, price, and product quality significantly and positively influenced purchase decisions. As a suggestion, United can increase sales by offering affordable prices and still provide the best quality.

Application on Mobile Learning by Video Manual: A Study of HRD from Bicycle Manufacturing.

Video messages are easier to receive than text messages because of the lack of language and text barriers. In the past, when on-the-job training for junior employees were conducted in the manufacturing industry, they often carried out technical training with “mentorship system” or “work manual”. This study aims at how video makes effects to those who work in manufacturing industries, especially those from other countries. Migrant workers from abroad or companies with manufacturing plants overseas have gradually used video manual as teaching materials for enterprise education and training, especially when COVID-19 becomes a global epidemic crisis. This study used in-depth interview research methods to investigate both workers and managers in the same manufacturing industry. The results found that when using digital cameras to record and edit, the production line equipment can achieve the following effects: (1) Promoting junior workers’ self-efficacy; (2) Use of different language translations can provide simultaneous education and training for workers from multiple countries; (3) Putting digital teaching materials on cloud will make employees to use digital mobile vehicles to download and learn, that can save more time for employees.

Design for ergonomics in the bicycle industry: an engineering design concept

Bicycle manufacturing is an industry that has taken advantage of technological developments in materials and large-scale manufacturing for high-performance products. Higher-specification bicycles typically use fibre-reinforced composite frames that are optimised for structural performance and mass. Efforts have also been made to increase the comfort of a rider by increasing the vertical compliance of frames, but traditional fibre-reinforced composite moulding techniques restrict manufacturing flexibility in fitting frame geometry to match the requirements of an individual. Manufacturers typically subdivide their frames into sized-based grouping to reduce manufacturing, inventory and supply costs. For specific user fits, customised bicycles are produced, but only on a smaller scale. These improve comfort via improved geometric fit for the user, but typically do so at high cost, or by using sub-optimum material selections. In this paper, an innovative, segmented frame design concept is introduced to facilitate a design-for-ergonomics and mass-customisation approach in the high-volume, high-performance bicycle industry.

Assessment of the competition level in the sector of bicycle manufacturers in the Slovak Republic

Bicycle industry has recorded significant boom recently, mainly as a consequence of global pandemic situation, but also as a result of green policies of countries. The popularity of cycling is on its all-time high, which also transferred to rising sales of bicycles worldwide. This paper evaluates current situation of bicycle industry in Slovak republic, mainly with the objection on performance of Slovak bicycle producers. With use of appropriate indicators, the paper aims to assess the rate of competitiveness among Slovak bicycle producers. For this purpose, relevant indicators as market share, concentration ratio CR3, CR5, and Herfindahl index are calculated and evaluated. The aim of this paper is to analyze financial results of Slovak bicycle industry producers, then measure the degree of concentration of whole industry in order to explain industry competitiveness in context of Slovak economy.

Sustainable human-robot co-production for the bicycle industry

Bicycle production has not changed much over the last 100 years, it is still performed mainly by manual labor in mass production. During the global pandemic, the demand for ecologically friendly and customized transport has increased. Hence, customers start to impose the same requirements on bikes as on cars: they want more customized products and short delivery time. This publication describes an approach to transform bicycle manufacturing towards human-robot co-production to enable smaller batch sizes and production on-shoring. We list the challenges of this transformation, our applied methods, and presents preliminary results of the cobot-driven prototypes.

Innovations in distribution channel?a case of hero cycles

You would have surely heard about car loans @ 7.75% but have you ever come across ‘bicycle loans?’ In 2013, Hero cycles, the world's largest bicycle manufacturer announced that it will be tying up with microfinance institutions (MFIs) across India to ensure that the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) can get easy access to finances to buy bicycles. Creating a new sales channel using microfinance institutions (MFIs) to reach the weaker sections of society was a road never travelled. Bicycle industry is a price-sensitive industry because the domestic demand for bicycles comes from the low-income population. Also, in India the penetration of bicycles in rural areas is extremely poor. It is interesting to look at how the industry would reach the enormous untapped potential in the rural areas to maximize its bicycle sales through microfinance. The research paper intended to explore the genesis of a new sales channel by providing microfinance to rural women entrepreneurs. What were the challenges in creating a new sales channel? How the company overcame the challenges of the new sales channel? For the bicycle industry, it's a new, unconventional sales model and we need to figure out how far the industry can peddle on microfinance institutions (MFIs) to sell bicycles in India.

Innovative Activities of a Logistics Company in the Global Value Chain

Business model innovation brings new value and revenue to enterprises. For industries with competitive advantages, strengthening the value chain is an important matter. This study explores the workings of the logistics service providers in the bicycle industry in Taiwan who provide an innovative and integrated value chain to customers with new value propositions to create a win-win situation. The study found that logistics company understand the needs and problems of customers. They integrate upstream and downstream customers in the value chain and provide processing services for bicycle manufacturers. The logistics company play an extended machining service provider of upstream suppliers. The innovative business model shortens the lead time of key components from suppliers to bicycle manufacturers. Innovation has changed the old value chain model and has improved the service capabilities of the logistics company.

Application of Linear Programming Approach for Determining Optimum Production Cost

Cost optimization problem deals with that problem which aims to find out the most appropriate ways to fulfill the demand of a particular product of any manufacturing company with minimum cost. Linear programming is one of the most appropriate techniques for scheduling the optimum cost of manufacturing. In this study, the production schedule of a bicycle manufacturing company is taken into account. The mathematical formulation of the problem under consideration is performed by using a linear programming approach. An operations research software, TORA (Temporary-Ordered Routing Algorithm), has been used in solving the problem and analyzing the results. Results reveal that a specific schedule has a great impact on optimizing the production cost.

Australian Female Endurance Cyclists of the 1930s and the Commercialization of Their Athletic Femininity

In the 1930s, Australian women were enthusiastic participants in a bicycle boom. Their engagement in cycling was fostered by economic depression, by interwar concerns with health and exercise, and through the consumption of images in the media. It was also underpinned by a modernist regard for the body as an efficient machine. Entrepreneurial bicycle manufacturers harnessed these concepts to promote cycling through the mobile spectacle of female endurance cyclists. In return, the endurancers gained opportunities and know-how in what had traditionally been a male preserve. These women were instrumental in wresting control of their sport from male administrators, and through their record-setting rides, they demonstrated equality with men’s physical and mental capabilities. In a decade when Australian women became increasingly involved in organized sport, the female endurance cyclists epitomized athletic femininity. Their vigorous physicality, unwavering grit, and sun-tanned good health, helped to shape notions of Australian womanhood and national identity in the decade leading up to the Second World War.

Research and Design of Manufacturing Execution System in a Bicycle Smart Factory

Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is a production information management system for execution level of manufacturing enterprises. Manufacturing industry began to use computer technology, the implementation of automated operation management system, in order to improve economic efficiency, promote the further development of enterprises, occupy a certain position in the economic market. This paper combines the working characteristics and business processes of bicycle manufacturing plant, analyses the application and implementation methods of manufacturing execution system in bicycle manufacturing plant, designs the key modules of the system, and finally implements MES in detail.

Production data analysis system using novel process capability indices-based circular economy

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish mechanisms for process improvement so that production efficiency and product quality can be expected, and create a sustainable development in terms of circular economy.Design/methodology/approachThe authors obtain a critical value from statistical hypothesis testing, and thereby construct a process capability indices chart, which both lowers the chance of quality level misjudgment caused by sampling error and provides reference for the processes improvement in poor quality levels. The authors used the bottom bracket of bicycles as an example to demonstrate the model and methods proposed in this study.FindingsThis approach enables us to plot multiple quality characteristics, despite varying attributes and specifications, onto the same process capability analysis chart. And it therefore increases accuracy and precision to reduce rework and scrap rates (reduce), increase product availability, reduce maintenance frequency and increase reuse (reuse), increase the recycle rates of components (recycle) and lengthen service life, which will delay recovery time (recovery).Originality/valueParts manufacturers in the industry chain can upload their production data to the cloud platform. The quality control center of the bicycle manufacturer can utilized the production data analysis model to identify critical-to-quality characteristics. The platform also offers reference for improvement and adds the improvement achievements and experience to its knowledge management to provide the entire industry chain. Feedback is also given to the R&D department of the bicycle manufacturer as reference for more robust product designs, more reasonable tolerance designs, and selection criteria for better parts suppliers, thereby forming an intelligent manufacturing loop system.