Risk analysis in manufacturing footprint decisions

A key aspect in the manufacturing footprint analysis is the risk and sensitivity analysis of critical parameters. In order to contribute to efficient industrial methods and tools for making well-founded strategic decisions regarding manufacturing footprint this paper aims to describe the main risks that need to be considered while locating manufacturing activities, and what risk mitigation techniques and strategies that are proper in order to deal with these risks. It is also proposed how the risk analysis should be included in the manufacturing location decision process

Combining Overall equipment Efficiency (OEE) and productivity measures as drivers for production improvements

To compete on a globalized market companies need to constantly improve the performance in their manufacturing systems. Production performance measures can be used for different purposes, by practitioners they are commonly used for follow-up and reporting purposes. Two of the most commonly used performance measures are Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) and productivity. Between these two productivity exhibits the far most variety in definition. Even if OEE and productivity are strongly affected by improvement work, they are seldom used to drive the improvement efforts. The purpose of this paper is to present definitions of productivity suitable as improvement drivers, and to discuss the need for a combined set of performance measures to drive productivity improvements. Finally some experiences from industrial improvement work are viewed

Challenges in the industrialization process of low-volume production systems

A critical part of new product development projects is the industrialization process of new products which affects both time and the cost. The industrialization of new products or variants in low-volume production systems has some specific challenges which are caused by characteristics of low-volume products and production systems. Therefore, an exploratory case study is made within two Swedish manufacturing companies to understand these challenges and compare the industrialization process in high and low volume production systems. The results of the multiple case studies indicate four challenges including knowledge transfer from the projects into production, development of the work instructions, the need for a higher level of training of the operators and production system design and the obligatory tailoring of the new products to the existing production systems

Production localization factors: an industrial and literature based review

Decision are commonly based on the available or easily accessible information; this is also true for more complex assessments like production localization. Where to locate production is often a key strategic decisions that has great impact on a company’s profitability for a long time; insufficient business intelligence may therefore have grave consequences. Six production localization factor studies have been assessed to see if they are focusing on the same issues and if there are any gaps. A new approach for structuring localization factors and the localization process is then presented and assessed with regards to some previously identified critical issues

Cost driven Green Kaizen in pharmaceutical production - Creating positive engagement for environmental improvements

A case study of green kaizen is presented demonstrating results of how to engage operators and management in environmental improvements on the shop-floor by utilizing a method, the Green Performance Map, in a pharmaceutical manufacturing company. The method involves identification of improvement possibilities, an input-output model for visualization (to reach consensus), and a cost saving approach for prioritization of actions (to attain force to take the step). The paper sets out to demonstrate how operationalization is needed to change behaviour, and points at the advantage of utilizing cost as a driver for environmental change

Collaborative Strategies for Successful Production Technology Development Projects

Collaborative development between the user and the equipment supplier of production technology has an increasingly important effect in terms of generating innovative, sustainable, and unique production process ideas that can be easily ramped-up to high volume production. However, joint development of production technology is challenging and has received surprisingly limited attention. Against this background the objective of the paper is to explore collaborative challenges from the equipment suppliers and customers’ perspectives in production technology development projects, and to suggest strategies for how these challenges can be addressed. Empirically the results are based on multiple case studies from two manufacturing companies in Sweden (i.e. users) and two equipment suppliers, ensuring that the perspectives of both the user and supplier sides in production technology development projects are considered. Our findings show that the identified collaboration challenges do not only relate to inter-organizational development activities but also to the companies’ internal characteristics, i.e. the prerequisites for company collaboration. Internal characteristics have a clear impact on the ability to bridge the interface with the equipment supplier and thus to advance the collaboration in production technology development projects. Our findings underscore the importance of having intra and inter-organizational strategies to enhance the success related to collaboration in production technology development projects

How could a SME supplier\u27s value chain be evaluated by circular production principles?

Increased demands for circularity in manufacturing industry put pressure on transformation in order to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. Small-and-medium-sized-enterprises (SME)\u27s have an important role, supplying value chains with material and components for larger companies and original-equipment-manufacturers (OEMs). SME suppliers\u27 net environmental footprint contributes to the OEM\u27s overall footprint, however, SME suppliers are characterized by limited resources and competence to perform circularity activities. SME net environmental footprint consists of both production related targets combined with product related targets. Circular product performance evaluation have raised a demand for easy-to-use, self-assisting tools as a complement or substitute for standardised life-cycle-assessment (LCA) methods, often considered as costly with advanced calculations, and highlights the need for the development of accessible tools and guides that support the SMEs\u27 circularity work. An established industrial tool based on previous research called the Green Performance Map (GPM), has successfully been used to assist circularity performance in production operations. This paper sets out to test the GPM tool in a new setting, addressing circularity in an extended value chain context, including three main areas; production and sourcing, product use and product end-of-life. The research presented is based on an in-depth case study with an interactive research approach and aims to explore how to reach a full value chain perspective on circularity in production. The result indicates that a joint and inclusive collaboration centred on the adapted GPM-tool, identifies and structures circular production principles as well as product use and end-of-life performance as a basis for evaluation. Findings from research study show that a comprehensive input-output tool could be used with limited competence and time, achieve increased employee awareness of circularity in the product value chain. This single case study brings a small empirical contribution to existing literature on SME circular production transformation, however it clearly shows on the urgency to evaluate circularity along the value chain in order to support a full industrial circular production transformation

A Conceptual Model for Deploying E-Service in SMEs through Capability Building: A Comparative Case Study

This paper proposes a conceptual implementation model for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to follow as part of their digital transformation. The conceptual model can be translated into a practical step-by-step guide for SMEs to apply during their digital transformation. The model is based on gradually developing industrial capabilities that can influence production processes performance. We employed a comparative case study approach to capture the lessons learned by SMEs in their journey to develop and implement a production digitalization system for deviation management and performance improvement. The model was validated in the cases of study capturing the actual SMEs’ needs. Managerial capabilities of production processes such as monitoring and control demonstrate to influence the performance positively. The proposed model aims for a full digital transformation by following a gradual approach to being resource-efficient and integrating their business needs. This paper is an extension of work originally presented in APMS 2020, IFIP AICT 592

Digital Tools and Information Needs Assessment for Efficient Deviation Handling in SMEs

A shift to digitalization implies a high emphasis on both management and creation of data. In a time of change, when high emphasis is put on the application of technology, there is a high risk that too little is said about the compliance of internal needs. Companies and practitioners risk to not prioritizing the assessment and questioning the adoption of digital ways of working. The present paper intends to discuss the impact that digital tools may have on deviation management in Small to Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) and under which circumstances digital tools will improve deviation management in SME context. The research study employs a qualitative approach using the case study methodology. The source of data comes from five different manufacturing companies categorized as SMEs, mainly doing business in the automotive and maritime industry. A multidisciplinary team performed semi-structured interviews and fieldwork at each site, along with regular online meetings with all the partners. The study employs five dimensions from the information quality perspective to assess information utilized to support deviation handling and then connects the information quality deficiencies to the digital tools impact. The empirical data indicate the need for the companies to perform a requirement analysis, as a prerequisite for them to assess their current state in terms of data and information, before the adoption of digital systems or digital tools. The research demonstrates the value for SMEs to understand their information needs and usage, in order to better determine their data needs and how to translate data into information. Lastly, this paper intends to provide a better foundation for SMEs prior to investments on automation and digitalization in the area of disturbance handling on the production shop floor