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- Chavez, Zuhara, et al.
(author)
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Digital Tools and Information Needs Assessment for Efficient Deviation Handling in SMEs
- 2020
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In: Advances in Transdisciplinary Engineering at SPS2020. - : IOS Press BV. - 9781614994398 ; , s. 24-35
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In a time of change focusing on the application of technology, there is a high risk of underestimating the compliance of internal needs and adaption to 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 Small to Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs). A multidisciplinary team performed semi-structured interviews and fieldwork at each site, along with regular online meetings with the partners. The study employs five dimensions of the information quality perspective to assess information utilized to support deviation handling and connects the information quality deficiencies to the digital tools' impact. The empirical findings indicate the need for the companies to perform a requirement analysis of information needs before the adoption of digital systems or digital tools, to assess their current state in terms of data and information. The paper discusses the impact digital tools may have on deviation management in SMEs and under which circumstances digital tools could improve deviation management. Lastly, this paper intends to shed light on the utilization of digital technologies for disturbance handling on the production shop floor. © 2020 The authors
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| 2. |
- Browne, Michael, et al.
(author)
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MIND THE GAP: THE INTERFACE BETWEEN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES AND THE LOGISTICS SYSTEM
- 2020
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Purpose Using autonomous vehicles in goods transport has potential benefits. However, the transition to a future autonomous (and electric) freight system needs to take account of the interface between the vehicle and other parts of the logistics system in order to exploit potential benefits and overcome challenges related to the absence of a driver. The purpose of the research is to identify the prerequisites for achieving automated loading, unloading, related information handling and in-plant transport at these interfaces. Research Approach Cases studies consider senders and receivers of various products as well as organisations that have a role including real estate companies that develop warehouses and terminals. The case studies consider vehicle and handling equipment technology alongside the processes that may need to change if the efficiency gains of an autonomous vehicle are to be realised. Research questions are addressed at the logistics system level. The cases studies combine questions about logistics process and technology alongside those concerned with underlying business models. Findings and Originality Results presented are at the half way stage of a two-year project and will be based on the initial series of interviews for four case studies. Findings so far include: (1) lack of development in this topic compared with interest in autonomous and automated transport (2) importance of organisational ssues in the logistics chain e.g. contractual relationships (3) importance of taking a broad view of the companies that need to be involved (4) product type and characteristics are important but other factors may have more influence on the scope to develop initiatives in this area. Research Impact The research provides insights into the complexity of the interfaces in autonomous and automated transport and logistics systems. The empirical findings enrich the discussion of this field. Combining insights from logistics, technology, materials handling and business has demonstrated the benefits of an interdisciplinary approach. Practical Impact Autonomous transport systems may bring many commercial benefits. However, the scale of these benefits will be significantly diminished if questions about the interface points in the logistics system are not addressed. The outputs of the research will provide important insights for managers addressing these challenges.
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| 3. |
- Fager, Patrik, 1988, et al.
(author)
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Gripper types and components in robotic bin picking
- 2020
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In: IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology. - Cham : Springer International Publishing. - 1868-4238 .- 1868-422X. ; 591, s. 267-274
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- While automation is increasingly applied in production processes, it is still rarely used for the core picking activity in kitting and order picking. As picking activities often involves a large number of stock-keeping units (SKUs) with different characteristics, what gripper to use is a central aspect when robotics is applied. The aim of this paper is to improve the understanding of the relationship between gripper types and component characteristics in robotic applications for preparation of component kits. The aim is addressed by means of an experiment in a laboratory setting where a two-finger gripper and a vacuum-gripper are applied for grasping a variety of components in a kit preparation process. The two gripper types are studied with respect to important component characteristics for their suitability, and how the two gripper types compare from an efficiency standpoint. The paper’s findings are useful for practitioners when introducing robotic bin picking. The paper also makes an important contribution to academia in studying the effects of robot picking applications empirically, laying grounds for focused future studies within this area.
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| 4. |
- Fager, Patrik, 1988, et al.
(author)
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Links between kit quality and kit preparation design
- 2021
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In: International Journal of Production Research. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0020-7543 .- 1366-588X. ; 58:18, s. 5525-5539
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Kitting is a materials-feeding principle commonly used with mixed-model assembly, but literature is lacking with respect to how kit quality can be supported. The purpose of this paper is to create an understanding of the links between kit preparation design aspects and kit preparation error types, that can be useful to support kit quality. The paper draws on empirical data from a multiple case study in the automotive industry to study how typical kit errors are linked to eight kit preparation design aspects: location, work organisation, storage policy, batching policy, storage packaging, kit carrier and container, picking information system, and error communication. The findings suggest several opportunities related to kit preparation design aspects for preventing kit errors and facilitating kit error corrections. The paper extends earlier knowledge and can support kit quality of industrial kit preparation.
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| 5. |
- Fager, Patrik, 1988, et al.
(author)
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Supporting flexibility of kit preparation for mixed_model assembly
- 2021
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In: International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management. - 1742-7975 .- 1742-7967. ; 40:4, s. 541-560
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Flexibility is key with mixed-model assembly, and kitting is often applied here as a flexible approach of materials supply. While the flexibility benefits of kitting are understood, there has been a lack of guidance on how to support flexibility of the kit preparation process. Accordingly, this paper’s purpose is to support the design of flexible processes for kit preparation.To achieve this, a framework is developed based on empirical data from five industrial cases. Flexibility is considered amongst five flexibility types – new product, modification, mix, volume and delivery – and six kit preparation design aspects: location, layout, work organisation, packaging, material-handling equipment, and picking information system. The paper contributes guidance of how to support kit preparation flexibility within industry, which has been rare in literature. Several of the findings may be exploited in similar contexts, for example in warehouse order picking and assembly.
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| 6. |
- Stark, Andreas, et al.
(author)
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Hybrid digital manufacturing: Capturing the value of digitalization
- 2023
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In: Journal of Operations Management. - : Wiley. - 1873-1317 .- 0272-6963. ; 69:6, s. 890-910
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A chasm is growing between the advanced technologies available for improving manufacturing operations and those effectively used in practice. The vision of Industry 4.0 is to mobilize industry to seek out these possibilities for improvement and to close the gap between opportunity and reality. However, when compared with more established improvement opportunities such as lean manufacturing, the digitalization of manufacturing lacks in both paradigmatic examples and an understanding of how to achieve the benefits. This lack is a complication of concern: Without an appropriate operations strategy to capture the value of digitalization, manufacturing companies will be unable to focus on technological investments and operational changes. To address this concern, operations management academics must develop new theory through active engagement in the practice of digitalization in manufacturing. This research presents a paradigmatic example, based on engaged scholarship, focused on effectively combining novel object-interactive and conventional manufacturing syntax for benefiting from digitalization in internal operations and the wider supply chain. The contribution to literature is a novel operations strategy—hybrid digital manufacturing—for capturing the value of Industry 4.0 technologies.
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