Design and Implementation Planning of a Digital Quality Control Process

Abstract

Industrial companies are developing digital processes to provide process improvements in terms of more efficiency and profitability. Quality control has a major impact in productivity of production systems and thus digitalizing the process could result in significant improvements. However, prior literature lacks specific information on how industrial companies should approach ERP-based (Enterprise Resource Planning) digital quality control processes. Therefore, this thesis studies digitalization of quality control and solves how industrial companies could benefit by implementing an ERP-based digital quality control process.

The thesis is conducted as a single case study in a globally operating Finnish industrial company that provides complete process solutions to the industries it serves. The case organization is undergoing a major ERP implementation program and it plans to design and implement a quality control process to be controlled digitally in the new ERP system. Within this premise the thesis includes designing the digital quality control process and planning its implementation while assessing the organization’s readiness for global implementation. By completing that objective, the thesis answers to how the process can be implemented thoroughly, what benefits can be gained from it, and what requirements in terms of data management and collaboration does the process implementation set for the organization.

Research strategy for the thesis was the constructive research approach where a solution to the problem was crafted and its practical applicability was tested in a close cooperation with the case organization. Empirical research in the case organization was conducted through multiple methods of qualitative data collection which included interviews, meetings, observation and a workshop. This data was analyzed by inductive content analysis. A questionnaire survey was also implemented, and this data was analyzed quantitatively. All the data produced information on requirements for the digital quality control process and its implementation. These results were used to define the process to be assessed and tested for its applicability in the case organization. According to the assessments and requirements, further implementation of the process was planned regarding a process implementation framework.

The digital functionality of the quality control process was determined as feasible. It would provide improvements by integrating processes and increasing visibility and transparency through ERP-based control as well as enabling data processing and analytics. However, implementation of the digital aspects beyond the scope of the thesis will require more development as the scope that was tested was a simplified one. Challenges would also arise due to the significant changes in ways of working which would require proper change management and organizational alignment. Therefore, resources are needed for thorough instructing and training of employees to work with the new process. Also, targets and guidelines are needed to induce commitment to the implementation. Regarding these challenges, the role of management is emphasized in order to achieve thorough implementation.

This thesis provides a methodology for development and implementation of ERP-based digital quality control. The methodology can be utilized by other organizations in a similar premise and in other types of process development utilizing ERP systems. Therefore, this thesis provides practical contribution for process development and implementation beyond the scope of quality control.