Assembly operators and visualization of information contributions on performance measurements. : Case Study at Dalvich Optic

Abstract: This study analyses the way information regarding performance measurements is shared among employees working at the shop floor at Dalvich Optic in Sweden. This study is conducted because many companies failed to implement a system that facilitates daily performance measurements as they neglected the assembly operators’ role in decision making process. Companies focus on measuring wrong parameters and visualize information about performance measurements in wrong way. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that new Information Technology (IT) artefacts are designed by experts for use by experts. IT artefacts are designed without taking into account assembly operators’ skills, education and experiences. Thus, limiting assembly operators’ ability to achieve daily production goals. Therefore, this study highlights the role of both assembly operators and visualizing information at the shop floor and their impact on performance measurements and productivity.   After analysis, this study develops a new IT artefact. The implementation of the new IT artefact at the company leads to a new leadership where management meet assembly operators in a daily basis, creating good environment for direct communication. As a result, the company increased its production by 50 percent compared to the previous year and it has doubled the production compared to 2010. The information about production status became visible and accessible to all employees since the information displayed through the new IT artefact was monitored in an easy-to- understand way. The presentation and visualization of information regarding productivity offered assembly operators and managers the possibility to react quickly when any disparity concerning goal achievement arose. As a result, the new IT artefact enhances assembly operators’ participation at the manufacturing process as well. Assembly operators took active role on manufacturing process since information about performance measurement was compiled and maintained by themselves; thus, positively influencing production outcomes. Furthermore, a new IT artefact created an arena where employees contributed to continuous improvements and problem-solving at work.   This study was conducted during a period of six months. Data was gathered through observations, interviews, and meetings with managers and assembly operators at a manufacturing plant. Furthermore, data from books, articles, and journals helped in analysing the way information was visualized and communicated in a manufacturing plant. ADR, Action Design Research method was used to design a new and simple IT artefact that considers employees’ skills, experiences and education.