How the delphi and AHP methods are aiding to define the critical success factors priorities in a digital factory project implementation

Digital factory is a concept that offers a collaborative approach to enhance product and production engineering processes through simulation. Products, processes and resources are modeled to be used to develop and test the product conception and manufacturing processes, before their use in the real factory. The purpose of this paper is to present the steps to identify the Critical Success Factors (CSF) priorities in a digital factory project implementation in a Brazilian company and how the Delphi and AHP Methods are aiding to identify these CSF priorities. Copyright © 2008 SAE International.

Identificação e priorização dos fatores críticos de sucesso na implantação de fábrica digital

A Digital Factory is a concept which improves the collaboration among product development processes. Despite the benefits brought by this concept, failures may occur in its implementation. This paper aims to present the Critical Success Factors in the implementation of a Digital Factory project in a Brazilian company. These factors were identified by an exploratory survey on the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning and Product Lifecycle Management among other systems. Following this identification, the factors were prioritized using the Delphi Method and the Analytic Hierarchy Process; this evaluation was carried out by professionals from enterprises which implement Digital Factory projects, in Brazil and abroad. Nine factors were identified. The five main priorities were: Continuous Support and Commitment from Top Management; Comprehensive Business Reengineering; Skilled and Experienced Partners; Participation and Commitment of Users; and Appropriate Role of the Project Manager.

Identificação, priorização e análise dos fatores críticos de sucesso na implantação da fábrica digital em uma empresa

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