Integration of lean management system into the digitalized factory - An Investigation into the use of an IT-tool for Layered Process Audits and Leader Standard Work

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to introduce and to support the implementation of Layered Process Audits and Leader standard work in one manufacturing area at a large Swedish company. Further, the thesis aims to understand how an IT-tool can aid the implementation cross multiple levels of the organization. Further, the thesis aims to gain knowledge of the main benefits and challenges that come with implementing Layered Process Audits and Leader Standard Work into an organization. In this thesis a Layered process audit refers to a system were different levels in the organization audit each other in order to prevent quality issues. The thesis used a qualitative research strategy with Action research being the main qualitative approach applied. A literature review and nine interviews with employees at different levels in the organization was conducted during the thesis. Based on the literature review in the field of Layered Process Audits, Leader Standard Work, implementing new technology, organizational change and data quality, a theoretical framework was constructed. The interviews contributed with knowledge regarding earlier technology implementations, the organization’s way of working and insights in how the organization can benefit from implementing Layered Process Audits and Leader Standard Work. This data later constructed the empirical results. By analyzing the empirical results along with the existing theory, three main conclusions could be drawn. The analysis showed that the IT-tool can enhance the deployment of Layered Process Audits and Leader Standard Work due to its easiness to use and helping the organization to structure their ways of operating. Cultural aspects, such as resistance to change is one hinder that the IT-tool may cause. Many previous technological implementations has failed at the organization, due to cultural aspects and mediocre implementation efforts. Finally, the thesis concluded that the implementation of Layered Process Audits and Leader Standard Work facilitate change initiatives and improves communication between different functions in the organization.