Methodology for digital transformation: a continuous improvement approach

Abstract

Digital technologies have the potential to significantly transform the manufacturing industry by achieving improvements in productivity, quality and sustainability. Despite this, the uptake is relatively low as companies face a number of challenges in the implementation of digital technologies. There is therefore a need to support companies to develop and implement their Digital Transformation Strategy, with a clear business case. This paper proposes a methodology based on a quality improvement approach for Digital Transformation within manufacturing processes to better inform the business case. In particular, it provides an assessment and diagnostic to define a clear vision of the Digital Transformation Strategy, proposes digital solutions to start the implementation process with clear purposes and expected benefits, and measures the efficacy, efficiency and effectiveness of the digital solutions, all within a holistic perspective that should assure the sustained success of companies. To validate the methodology, preliminary results are presented of the assessment and diagnostic elements carried out in a global power solution manufacturing company. The focus areas selected were productivity, delivery performance, quality, and safety, in order to address problems and challenges reported by the company through their quality management system. Testing of usability in a real case provided useful output for company performance and valuable lessons to adjust the proposed methodology.