The application of production-related information technology architecture to improve on visual management systems within the manufacturing industry

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research investigates the relationship between technology advancements and the effects thereof in manufacturing industry in relation to the complexity of the production lines, resource efficiency and time management. Specifically, the study focuses on the use of Production-Related Information Technology Architecture (PRITA) to improve data sourcing, processing and communication within the manufacturing environment in order to improve the use of Visual Management System (VMS) capabilities. Current technologic advancements, and therefore the manufacturing paradigm by extension, have advanced enough to make VMS a possibility. Case studies were developed and implemented with the aim of identifying the elements of VMS that facilitate data sourcing and processing in order to yield production-related information after which the information was displayed digitally. These case studies were implemented within the academic manufacturing environment that replicates typical small medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. The results revealed that the VMS was considered an important value-adding element to the manufacturing industry with 77% of the expert interview participants agreeing. VMS provided the functionalities of trend analytics that could provide information regarding the operational condition of production and making conservative predictions of the production cycle analysis. VMS can provide the solution to understanding and relating the information to improve on the traditional flow of information. This new method will involve an increased amount of data collection on lower operation levels from which the information can flow up through managerial levels to produce action items and information flowing down the model again. The study concluded with an effect and benefit summery of the PRITA and VMS model, a cost and labour analysis and a discussion of research limitations.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University