A Model for Product Transfer Project

In this thesis a model for managing the product data in a product transfer project was created for ABB Machines. This model was then applied for the ongoing product transfer project during its planning phase. Detailed information about the demands and challenges in product transfer projects was acquired by analyzing previous product transfer projects in participating organizations. This analysis and the ABB Gate Model were then used as a base for the creation of the model for managing the product data in a product transfer project. The created model shows the main tasks during each phase in the project, their sub-tasks and relatedness on general level. Furthermore the model emphasizes need for detailed analysis of the situation during the project planning phase. The created model for managing the product data in a product transfer project was applied into ongoing project two main areas; manufacturing instructions and production item data. The results showed that the greatest challenge considering the product transfer project in previously mentioned areas is the current state of the product data. Based on the findings, process and resource proposals for both the ongoing product transfer project and the BU Machines were given. For manufacturing instructions it is necessary to create detailed process instructions in receiving organizations own language for each department so that the manufacturing instructions can be used as a training material during the training in sending organization. For production item data the English version of the bill of materials needs to be fully in English. In addition it needs to be ensured that bill of materials is updated and these changes implemented before the training in sending organization begins.

Drivers and Barriers of Collaboration in the Value Chain of Paperboard-Packed Consumer Goods

Value chain collaboration has been a prevailing topic for research, and there is a constantly growing interest in developing collaborative models for improved efficiency in logistics. One area of collaboration is demand information management, which enables improved visibility and decrease of inventories in the value chain. Outsourcing of non-core competencies has changed the nature of collaboration from intra-enterprise to cross-enterprise activity, and this together with increasing competition in the globalizing markets have created a need for methods and tools for collaborative work. The retailer part in the value chain of consumer packaged goods (CPG) has been studied relatively widely, proven models have been defined, and there exist several best practice collaboration cases. The information and communications technology has developed rapidly, offering efficient solutions and applications to exchange information between value chain partners. However, the majority of CPG industry still works with traditional business models and practices. This concerns especially companies operating in the upstream of the CPG value chain. Demand information for consumer packaged goods originates at retailers' counters, based on consumers' buying decisions. As this information does not get transferred along the value chain towards the upstream parties, each player needs to optimize their part, causing safety margins for inventories and speculation in purchasing decisions. The safety margins increase with each player, resulting in a phenomenon known as the bullwhip effect. The further the company is from the original demand information source, the more distorted the information is. This thesis concentrates on the upstream parts of the value chain of consumer packaged goods, and more precisely the packaging value chain. Packaging is becoming a part of the product with informative and interactive features, and therefore is not just a cost item needed to protect the product. The upstream part of the CPG value chain is distinctive, as the product changes after each involved party, and therefore the original demand information from the retailers cannot be utilized as such – even if it were transferred seamlessly. The objective of this thesis is to examine the main drivers for collaboration, and barriers causing the moderate adaptation level of collaborative models. Another objective is to define a collaborative demand information management model and test it in a pilot business situation in order to see if the barriers can be eliminated. The empirical part of this thesis contains three parts, all related to the research objective, but involving different target groups, viewpoints and research approaches. The study shows evidence that the main barriers for collaboration are very similar to the barriers in the lower part of the same value chain; lack of trust, lack of business case and lack of senior management commitment. Eliminating one of them – the lack of business case – is not enough to eliminate the two other barriers, as the operational model in this thesis shows. The uncertainty of the future, fear of losing an independent position in purchasing decision making and lack of commitment remain strong enough barriers to prevent the implementation of the proposed collaborative business model. The study proposes a new way of defining the value chain processes: it divides the contracting and planning process into two processes, one managing the commercial parts and the other managing the quantity and specification related issues. This model can reduce the resistance to collaboration, as the commercial part of the contracting process would remain the same as in the traditional model. The quantity/specification-related issues would be managed by the parties with the best capabilities and resources, as well as access to the original demand information. The parties in between would be involved in the planning process as well, as their impact for the next party upstream is significant. The study also highlights the future challenges for companies operating in the CPG value chain. The markets are becoming global, with toughening competition. Also, the technology development will most likely continue with a speed exceeding the adaptation capabilities of the industry. Value chains are also becoming increasingly dynamic, which means shorter and more agile business relationships, and at the same time the predictability of consumer demand is getting more difficult due to shorter product life cycles and trends. These changes will certainly have an effect on companies' operational models, but it is very difficult to estimate when and how the proven methods will gain wide enough adaptation to become standards.

Assessment of an information product project success: case business blueprint

The objective of this study was to find out how project success can be measured in a case where the output of a project is an intangible information product, what kind of framework can be used to evaluate the project success, and how the project assessment can be done in practice. As a case example, the success of a business blueprint project was assessed from the product point of view. A framework for assessing business blueprint project success was made based on a literature review. Furthermore, separate frameworks for measuring information product quality and project costs were developed. The theory of business blueprinting was discovered not to be firmly institutionalized and it is briefly covered in the thesis. The possible net benefits from the strategic business process harmonization were noted to be much more significant than the costs of the business blueprint project. The project was seen as a sufficient success from the viewpoint of the created output.

Creating Global Competitive Advantage by Global Product Technology Transfers

Globalization is the trend which is realized in all areas in today’s business world. Pressure for cost reduction, changes in market situation and available scale economies have changed business environment more global than ever. To respond to new situation, companies are establishing global strategies. In this thesis, available global competitive advantages in electrical machine industry are studied in context of gaining them by global technology transfers. In theory part, establishing global strategy and competitive advantage is considered with connection to global sourcing and supply chain management. Additionally, market development in 21st century and its impact on global strategies is studied. In practice, global manufacturing is enabled by technology transfer projects. Smooth and fast project implementation enables faster and more flexible production ramp up. By starting the production available competitive advantages can be realized. In this thesis the present situation of technology transfer projects and the risks and advantages related to global manufacturing are analyzed. The analysis of implemented technology transfer projects indicates that project implementation is in good level. For further development of project execution 10 minor suggestions could be presented with two major ones: higher level standardization and development of product information model to support better global manufacturing.

The Musical Offering : Ricercare a 3

Soitinnus: Piano.

The Musical Offering : Sonata a 3

Soitinnus: Piano.

Supporting Solution Business with an Integrated Enterprise System

Some of the world’s leading companies now compete by providing integrated solutions to identify and solve each customer’s business problem by providing services to design, integrate, operate and finance a product or system during its life cycle. At the same time, because of the requirements of new global economy, companies are implementing new integrated ERP systems. The objective of this thesis was to define how solution offering can be implemented in the integrated ERP system so that it is possible to sell, deliver and maintain solution offering with the new enterprise applications. The research was conducted as a qualitative case study research consisting of literature review, theme-interviews and an analysis phase. For a start this study introduces new insight for combining solution business, offering modeling and modern ERP system theories. The results of this research illustrate the limitations of an integrated ERP system to support solution business and show the need to develop a commercial product model in order to improve the combination of solution offering and IT systems.

Product Data Managemet as a Key Success Factor in After Sales Business

The objective of this master’s thesis is to define Larox´s Product Data present state and future development needs from after sales point of view. In particular the object was to investigate after sales needs, which data related to products need to be managed by using Product Data Management. Empirical material of thesis was collected mainly through interviews, benchmark visits, and personal experience. Among the interviewees were internal stakeholders who are closely related to the product process, as well as external stakeholders. Interviews revealed that each stakeholder group has deviating needs for product data management and that at present all the needs are not met to take the best possible way. The main requirement was availability of up-to-date information, which plays a key role in after sales business. At the end of study is concentrated to find development targets at Larox, especially from after sales point of view. In addition, consideration of how the product data management advantages can utilized in making internal processes more efficient. Development needs are collected together as project descriptions, whose headings are shown at the end of the study.

Älykkäät lääkkeenjakoratkaisut:Liiketoimintakonseptien nykytila

Älykkäille lääkkeenjakoratkaisuille tulee luultavasti olemaan tulevaisuudessa suuri kysyntä, sillä asiakasmäärät ja julkisen terveydenhuollon resurssit eivät kohtaa toisiaan. Säilyttääksemme yhteiskuntamme terveydenhuollon tason kohtuullisilla kustannuksilla on ainoana mahdollisuutena alan uudet innovaatiot. Älykkäillä lääkkeenjakoratkaisuilla tarkoitetaan älykkäitä lääkepakkauksia tai muita lääkintään liittyviä tuotteita tai palveluja, jotka mahdollistavat teknologisen edistyksellisyyden avulla ihmistyömäärän vähentämisen terveydenhuollossa. Raportti esittelee tapaustutkimuksen alustavia tuloksia, joissa on tarkoituksena tuoda esille yleiskatsaus tuotteista ja asiakaseduista. Tuotteet on kuvattu niihin liittyvien liiketoimintamallinen tarjoomien avulla. Analyysi rakentuu liiketoimintamallin neljän peruspilarin mukaisesti, Tuote, Asiakassuhde, Rakenne, ja Talous, jotka määrittävät mallin asiakasarvon. Lähtökohtana liiketoimintamallien mittaamisessa on neljä arvon päämittaria: tekniset, taloudelliset, palvelulliset, ja sosiaaliset attribuutit. Esimerkin avulla voidaan huomata, että tarjoamaa markkinoilla on vakiintumaton. Yksi malli painotti lääkkeiden annosjakelun tehokkuutta, toinen nautittujen lääkkeiden oton valvontaa ja kolmas yritti pärjätä molemmissa. Suurimmat hyödyt voidaan nähdä, jos pystytään yhdistämään koneellinen jakelu älykkäisiin jakelulaitteisiin.

Cost estimation framework for modular product

Cost estimation is an important, but challenging process when designing a new product or a feature of it, verifying the product prices given by suppliers or planning a cost saving actions of existing products. It is even more challenging when the product is highly modular, not a bulk product. In general, cost estimation techniques can be divided into two main groups - qualitative and quantitative techniques - which can further be classified into more detailed methods. Generally, qualitative techniques are preferable when comparing alternatives and quantitative techniques when cost relationships can be found. The main objective of this thesis was to develop a method on how to estimate costs of internally manufactured and commercial elevator landing doors. Because of the challenging product structure, the proposed cost estimation framework is developed under three different levels based on past cost information available. The framework consists of features from both qualitative and quantitative cost estimation techniques. The starting point for the whole cost estimation process is an unambiguous, hierarchical product structure so that the product can be classified into controllable parts and is then easier to handle. Those controllable parts can then be compared to existing past cost knowledge of similar parts and create as accurate cost estimates as possible by that way.

Development of Collaborative Product Structure Management

The purpose of this thesis is to develop an environment or network that enables effective collaborative product structure management among stakeholders in each unit, throughout the entire product lifecycle and product data management. This thesis uses framework models as an approach to the problem. Framework model methods for development of collaborative product structure management are proposed in this study, there are three unique models depicted to support collaborative product structure management: organization model, process model and product model. In the organization model, the formation of product data management system (eDSTAT) key user network is specified. In the process model, development is based on the case company’s product development matrix. In the product model framework, product model management, product knowledge management and design knowledge management are defined as development tools and collaboration is based on web-based product structure management. Collaborative management is executed using all these approaches. A case study from an actual project at the case company is presented as an implementation; this is to verify the models’ applicability. A computer assisted design tool and the web-based product structure manager, have been used as tools of this collaboration with the support of the key user. The current PDM system, eDSTAT, is used as a piloting case for key user role. The result of this development is that the role of key user as a collaboration channel is defined and established. The key user is able to provide one on one support for the elevator projects. Also the management activities are improved through the application of process workflow by following criteria for each project milestone. The development shows effectiveness of product structure management in product lifecycle, improved production process by eliminating barriers (e.g. improvement of two-way communication) during design phase and production phase. The key user role is applicable on a global scale in the company.

FLASH-OFDM System Performance Studies for Wireless Broadband Network Operator Services

@450 wireless broadband service is Digita’s mobile wireless broadband network service. In @450 network Digita acts as the network operator offering network capacity to service operators. For Digita it is important to know what kind of services its network is capable of and what are the network’s service parameters. The knowledge of the network parameters and the behaviour can be used in advance in the development of new service products. Before a new service product can be offered to service operators a lot of work has to be done. The basic testing is necessary to get an understanding of the basic functionality. The requirement specification has to be done and a new product has to be created. The new product has to be tested. The test results have to be analysed in order to find out if the new product is suitable for real use and with which limitations. The content of this Thesis is the development of wireless technologies, @450 service and network, FLASH-OFDM technology, FLASH-OFDM performance testing and the development of a new service product.