Digital Transformation of Production Planning and Control in Manufacturing SMEs-The Mold Shop Case

Abstract

This work describes an approach for the Digital Transformation (DT) of a manufacturing SME in the mold production industry. The phases for changing from manual and non-adding value labor-intensive practices to digital and smart manufacturing configurations are described. Initially, the needs of the SME are presented in terms of improving the planning and monitoring capabilities. Following the requirements analysis, a set of digital functionalities are proposed and mapped to the specific needs. The digital solution presented includes technologies such as the Internet of Things, data management, intelligent production planning and web technologies. The industrial pilot case has showed how the use of open-source off-the-shelf technology, integrated with the facility’s legacy systems can reduce daily production management tasks and ease the burden of planning and monitoring. The engineers and management team of the SME have acquired first-hand experience on the benefits digitalization of process can bring to the organization that is valuable for proceeding with the DT of the organization.