WCM methodology application with digital innovative tools

In the highly competitive manufactory industry, the pursuit of excellence in manufacturing processes is crucial for maintaining a leading position in the market. World Class Manufacturing (WCM) stands out as a comprehensive methodology aimed at achieving operational excellence through continuous improvement, waste reduction, and loss elimination. As the industry evolves, integrating digital innovation into WCM practices has become increasingly vital, enabling companies to enhance efficiency, precision, and adaptability in their production systems. This thesis explores the application of WCM methodology in the context of digital transformation, focusing on the utilization of advanced software tools to optimize production processes. Specifically, the research employs the software Plant Simulation by Siemens to analyse, select, and optimize an automated production process involving robotics. By simulating various scenarios, this tool provides valuable insights into process efficiency, resource allocation, and potential bottlenecks, ultimately guiding decision-making to achieve optimal production flow. In addition to process simulation, this study integrates Microsoft Power Apps and Microsoft Lists to develop a digital assessment platform. This platform streamlines the evaluation of WCM implementation, offering a dynamic, user-friendly interface for tracking progress, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring compliance with WCM standards across the production line. The platform's real-time data collection and assessment capabilities represent a significant advancement in how manufacturing processes are evaluated, enabling more responsive and informed decision-making. The practical application of these digital tools was carried out during an internship at Accenture, where they were implemented to address real-world challenges within a manufacturing environment. The findings from this experience demonstrate the substantial benefits that can be achieved by integrating WCM principles with digital technologies. These benefits include enhanced production efficiency, reduced waste, improved resource management, and greater adaptability to changing market demands. This thesis provides both a theoretical framework and practical insights into the synergistic benefits of combining WCM methodologies with state-of-the-art digital tools. By highlighting the successful integration of these approaches, the research contributes to the ongoing evolution of manufacturing standards, paving the way for more efficient and adaptable production systems. In the discussion, three main topics will be addressed. Firstly, a brief explanation of WCM will be provided, outlining its core principles and objectives. Secondly, the chapter will cover the Plant Simulation software, detailing its functionalities and how it was utilized in the context of the internship. This will be followed by a practical case study illustrating its application. Finally, the chapter will introduce Microsoft Lists and Power Apps, explaining their roles in digital assessments and how these tools were applied to create an effective digital assessment platform.