A state of the art system for managing time data in manual assembly

Abstract

Valid time data, a prerequisite for the efficient use of manufacturing resources, directly influence planning and control quality. However, access to time data that capture real shop-floor operations in general and manual operations in particular is often assumed by both academics and practitioners. This has led to a mismatch between reality and the data found in systems for production planning and control, causing operational inefficiencies and negatively affecting decision-making in manufacturing companies. This article addresses the importance of updated and valid time data in planning and controlling production and considers how they relate to manufacturing system performance and improvement. The focus is on how to determine, utilise, and sustain valid time data for manual assembly operations through integrating enterprise information systems. The article builds on a case study performed at a large manufacturing enterprise that operates a state of the art system for managing time data in manual assembly. Findings from the case study reveal how standalone system applications can be integrated with the organisational functions of an enterprise to achieve updated and valid operation times.

Keywords:

• time data management
• production planning
• production control
• standardisation
• work measurement

Acknowledgements

This research was carried out within the Sustainable Production Initiative and the Production Area of Advance at Chalmers University of Technology, and the strategic innovation agenda Production2030, a joint effort by VINNOVA, Formas and the Swedish Energy Agency. This support is gratefully acknowledged by the authors. Special thanks are extended to the representatives of the case company and the two companies that developed the system for their time and resources in support of this research project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Sustainable Production Initiative and the Production Area of Advance at Chalmers University of Technology, and the strategic innovation agenda Production2030, a joint effort by VINNOVA, Formas and the Swedish Energy Agency.