Digitalization as Facilitator of Effective Information Sharing in Production Systems

Abstract: This thesis aims to formulate strategic approaches to digital transformation, which manufacturing companies can apply to make themselves more effective in disseminating and presenting production-related information to shop-floor operators. Therefore, two approaches are proposed. One focuses on disseminating information in production systems; the other focuses on presenting information to shop-floor operators. First, assessing digital maturity can facilitate the effective dissemination of information in production systems and contribute towards a digital transformation to Industry 4.0. Maturity assessments provide an understanding of current capabilities. This enables the formulation of goals for digital transformations and, subsequently, facilitates the creation of development plans to make disseminating information more effective. Second, applying digital technologies can facilitate new capabilities for presenting information to operators and contribute towards a digital transformation to Operator 4.0. Operators work under varying circumstances, which requires varying types of information as cognitive support. Understanding these situational requirements facilitates the selection and subsequent implementation of suitable digital technologies for presenting information to operators more effectively. Together, these two approaches demonstrate how digitalization can facilitate effective information sharing in production systems and for shop-floor operators.