Manufacturing process improvement through technical solutions : a case study

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory thesis study is to observe a manufacturing process area in its current state and the opportunities to improve the process area by implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and other technical solutions in industrial manufacturing companies. The theoretical baseline is based on process management, process improvement solutions, AI, and ML. The research is centred around studying industry research and case studies with similar issues and goals as the case company. Data collection was conducted through interviews and observing current processes within the case company. The data was analyzed through compiling all the interview data to understand the current issues and determine the goal of the case company and then determine the best solution based on data and research. The empirical section explored how AI and ML can be implemented, managed, and evaluated for optimization in an industrial manufacturing context. Literature insights were compared with the results from my observations in the discussion section. The answer to the research questions, the limitations of the study, and future research questions are covered in the conclusion.