Computer support for continuous improvements

Abstract

Abstract. The view of manufacturing has changed in recent years. This is evident from how the focus of management's attention is shifting more and more towards the basics of operating the business. The challenge to manufacturers in the West today is how to introduce leaner practices in their operations. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate how computer technology and information systems can be applied to support the transition to leaner practices in a complex operation. The problem with the large information systems developed to manage the complex operations of many Western companies is that they were designed to help maintain performance and not to support finding opportunities for new improved practices. Results from the ESPRIT II project, CIM for Multi-supplier Operations (CMSO), show that an existing data infrastructure can be effectively utilized to develop inexpensive, customized tools to support a process of continuous improvements. In this project a set of tools for planning the material flow from supplier to the assembly line was developed for the Saab-Valmet automobile assembly plant in Uusikaupunki, Finland. Hypertext tools were used to quickly develop decision support applications that supported problem solving and finding improvement potentials.

Keywords:

• continuous
• improvements
• purchasing
• logistics
• decision
• support
• tools
• prolotype approach

Additional information

Notes on contributors

JAN HÖLMSTROM

JAN B. HOLMSTROM is a researcher with the Institute of Industrial Automation at the Helsinki University of Technology in Helsinki, Finland. His current research focuses on the application of information technology to support the introduction of new operating practices. His most recent work has been with the car manufacturer Oy Saab-Valmet Ab in Uusikaupunki, Finland to develop their purchasing logistics operations. Previously he has worked with Volvo in Goteborg, Sweden studying alternative manufacturing systems designs for car body manufacturing. He received his MSc in information technology and industrial economics from the Helsinki University of Technology.

PEKKA AAVIKKO

PEKKA AAVIKKO is currently working as a project manager for materials and production control with Adam Opel AG in Ruesselsheim, Germany. He has previously worked as manager of production control at Oy Wartsila Diesel Ab in Turku, Finland and as manager of materials and production control at Oy Saab-Valmet Ab in Uusikaupunki, Finland. His main interest is in the practical advancement of more resource-efficient practices in the logistics operations of vehicle manufacturers. He has served as a member of the Management Board in the ESPRIT II project #2277, CIM for Muhisupplier Operations. He received his MSc in industrial economics from the Helsinki University of Technology.