Book excerpt: This book presents recent developments, research results, and industrial experience to increase the knowledge base of academics and industry. In a small world where trade is the new global driving force conquering countries and continents alike, international competitiveness is becoming the ultimate challenge. It requires high-quality products manufactured with state-of-the-art technologies at low cost under the assumption of highly efficient operations management as well as clear corporate goals and strategy. This in turn is based on improved engineering training and education, relevant applied research, and an active interaction between academia and industry.