Effective Testing: Analysing and tackling challenges in production testing of industrial machines Master’s thesis in Production Engineering PHILIP LEES

Abstract

This thesis aims to study the barriers affecting effective testing and setup of print and apply machinery, and how these barriers can be overcome. Based on theoretical foundation of quality, testing, production concepts (Product Lifecycle Management, Industry 4.0 etc.) and production engineering, and methodologies such as design research methodology, observation, time study, process mapping and ergonomics, results found indications of barriers within testing. These indications show that while test technicians are able to identify and rectify quality issues, more support to perform more effective testing is desired. Further analysis showed that specification definition, information flow, standardisation and documentation are specific areas where barriers for effective testing could be identified. A number of practical rec ommendations based on concepts such as Product Lifecycle Management, Industry 4.0 and checklist design are proposed. These are designed to leverage digitalisation and knowledge management in order to overcome the barriers discussed.