To gather reproducible measurement results, metrologists need a variety of competences. Yet, also other groups of staff in a manufacturing enterprise need competences in metrology in order to assure the appropriate specification of tolerances or sufficient consideration of inspectional requirements in production processes.
Therefore, the strict focus of metrological qualification on staff preparing or performing the actual measurements is insufficient for the efficient assurance of conformity. Additionally, on the one hand a demand-oriented qualification concept is needed to impart required fundamental knowledge on manufacturing metrology according to the specific needs of each user group. On the other hand, appropriate measures of knowledge management have to be applied in order to assure a proper application of the gathered knowledge and enhance mutual understanding for the requirements of other involved user groups.
Thus, as amendment for user-specific measures of formal qualification, a concept has been developed to enable knowledge transfer among different groups and departments in an enterprise. By this holistic approach, the impact of measures of qualification can be increased and high product quality can be achieved as a common aim of all related groups of staff.
Today, the changes in market requirements and the technological advancements are influencing
the product development process. Customers demand a product of high quality and fast
delivery at a low price, while simultaneously expecting that the product meet their individual
needs and requirements. For companies characterized by a highly customized production, it
is essential to reduce the trial-and-errors cycles to design new products and process. In such
situation most of the company’s knowledge relies on the lessons learnt by operators in years
of work experience, and their ability to reuse this knowledge to face new problems. In order
to develop unique product and complex processes in short time, it is mandatory to reuse
the acquired information in the most efficient way. Several commercial software applications
are already available for product lifecycle management (PLM) and manufacturing execution
system (MES). However, these two applications are scarcely integrated, thus preventing an
efficient and pervasive collection of data and the consequent creation of useful information.
The aim of this paper is to develop a framework able to structure and relate information
from design and execution of processes, especially the ones related to anomalies and critical
situations occurring at the shop floor, in order to reduce the time for finalizing a new product.
The framework has been developed by exploiting open source systems, such as ARAS
PLM and PostgreSQL. A case study has been developed for a car prototyping company to
illustrate the potentiality of the proposed solution.
The objectives of this research are to study the direct influence on the competitive advantage
and pattern development of variables affecting the competitive advantage of the Thai oil
palm industry. This research employs a quantitative research method. The population for
the study consists of 150 oil palm industrial operators in Thailand. Questionnaires are used
in the data collection and the data are analyzed by using SEM. The research results reveal
that the Knowledge Management Process and Supply Chain Integration positively influence
the competitive advantage in the quality, delivery, and cost. The competitive advantage
receives a positive direct impact from the Knowledge Management Process and Supply
Chain Integration. The variation of competitive advantage can be explained as 84%. The
obtained results can be used for developing the industry to create economic growth and
sustainable competitive advantage.