Challenges with adopting new technology in a firm : A case study of Gimo Tools

Abstract: The main purpose of this study is to analyze the implementation of an operating TDM (Tool Data Management) system regarding the implementation process and requirements concerning visibility and traceability.  A second purpose is to analyze how other comparable systems meet the requirements in order to form a recommendation for the focal production unit. For this report a literature study have been carried out, along with interviews for a better understanding about the company. The literature study resulted in a comparison table, a table that show similarities visually since the systems are so much alike. Comparison tables are also created for the automated identification and data collection technology to visually show similarities. From the literature study and the comparison table it was possible to present a result towards Gimo Tools showing how their chosen systems stands in comparison with other similar systems.  The thesis is written towards Gimo Tools to cover their wish regarding visibility and traceability of tools. They had earlier started implementation of a system that should be able to cover their wish in the sense of Industry 4.0. A system that should have the capacity to offer them exactly what they want in visibility and traceability. Unfortunately the implementation did not fall out positively and was stagnant. As the main purpose with this thesis is to analyze how the implementation of an operating TDM (Tool Data Management) system is carried out, regarding the implementation process and how requirements such as visibility and traceability are covered. And how different needs with manufacturing can be covered, Gimo Tools are also given input on the implementation for the chosen system with recommendations. The thesis answer the question which challenges that lies in implementation, with support from the literature and with information from Gimo Tools this study can note to some extent that it is questionable if Gimo Tools knew their own needs before implementation of the system. Some problems detected in the implementation should for example have been identified as potential problems and dealt with before implementation began.   For this thesis several digital systems within the Industry 4.0 field are presented along with technology for automated identification and data collection for the capability of doing a comparison between the system that Gimo Tools have started implemented and other similar systems. The study shows that TDM system, the system that Gimo Tools have chosen for implementation have full capability to meet requirements of Industry 4.0 like real time networking, wireless communication, gathering / sharing data information    and offer both visibility and tracking. With the second purpose of this report being to analyze comparable systems to see how and if they meet the requirements this is covered in this thesis. As the study show that with the ability to collaborate and gather information in real time all presented systems have the ability to cover the needs regarding visibility and traceability set out by Gimo Tools. This is further presented with a comparison table in the thesis.