Effective project-based production

In this seminar, researchers from NTNU, SINTEF and invited guests presented results from research and development within project-based production.

A significant part of the Norwegian industry produces low-volume products where engineering specifications are not known in detail upon receipt of the customer order. This is common in mechanical industries, the construction sector, shipbuilding, offshore supplier industries, and other types of project-based production; industries typically facing several unique challenges as the products are often one-of-a-kind and/or highly customized. However, emerging economies are increasingly entering these segments, and they compete with significantly lower prices.

In order for Norwegian companies to stay competitive, there is an urgent need to reduce costs and lead times while maintaining high levels of flexibility and innovativeness. How can project-based companies effectively organize and plan their supply chains?

The seminar was hosted in collaboration with the Respons project, funded by the Research Council of Norway and participating companies.  

Presentations:

• Welcome and introduction, Erlend Alfnes (NTNU)
• Takt planning for low volume production and construction, Iris D. Tommelein (UC Berkeley)
• Effective low volume production at Brunvoll, Knut Ola Tverdal and Ragnar Olsvik Hovind (Brunvoll)
• Planning low volume production, Erik Gran (SINTEF)
• Success factors for digitization in logistics, Ralph Riedel (Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau)
• Sales & Operations Planning for Engineer-To-Order manufacturing, Swapnil Bhalla (NTNU)
• Statistics-based analysis of project data for improved understanding of the effect of production methods and strategies on performance, Marco Semini (NTNU)
• Using ERP systems for production planning in the smart factory, Odd Jøran Sagegg (Devoteam)