Improvement of Final Demand Data Flow at Polestar, Refining Final Demand Management in the Geometry Assurance Process
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Product development (MPPDE), MSc
Publicerad
Författare
Eken, Gizem
Hamza, Medina
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Geometric variations in components, despite modern manufacturing precision, can
detract significantly from a vehicle’s functionality and perceived quality. Geometry
assurance is crucial for managing these variations by ensuring robustness and
high product quality through assigning favorable tolerances. Moreover, efficient data
management plays a significant role in geometry assurance, facilitating the necessary
exchange of information across various stages of the product realization loop. This
thesis focuses on optimizing the data flow and management of final demand data
within the geometry assurance process at Polestar, a Swedish automotive company
specializing in the production of electric vehicles.
This master’s thesis aimed at mapping the current geometry assurance process at
Polestar, and by identifying and mitigating inefficiencies, propose improvements for
enhancing data quality and process performance. The scope of the study is limited
to the geometry assurance process, focusing specifically on the transformation and
management of final demand data throughout the distinct phases of the process.
Through a literature study, interviews, a pilot study and the mapping of process
activities, the current process was studied in detail. The findings reveal significant
inefficiencies in the current data flow and process approach. Data flow challenges
were predominantly associated with compromised data integrity, as a result of the
manual steps involved in data transformation and the propagation of errors due
to lack of integration between software tools. Further, the mapping of the current
process outlined an approach that often lacks clarity and a solid ground.
The proposed enhancements include the implementation of an API that enables
automated data transfer, formatting and storing, eliminating errors associated with
manual data exchange across departments and stages. It facilitates communication
across three different software programs utilized in different phases of the geometry
assurance process, ensuring that the demand data is linked. Through this,
data flow efficiency is significantly enhanced and data quality is improved. Further,
suggestions intended to optimize the overall performance of the process include implementing
standardized work routines and optimizing time management practices.
The suggested improvements not only address immediate inefficiencies but also lay
a foundation for continuous improvement in data management practices within the
company.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Geometry Assurance , Data Flow , Process Optimization , Product Realization Loop , Product Development , Final Demands , Robust Design , Tolerance