Enhancing data consistency in information flow of manual and variant-rich assembly processes

In manual and variant-rich assembly processes, irregularities lead to substantial resource costs for manufacturing companies. These include, e.g., wrongly assembled components and decreasing efficiency, resulting in error-related expenses. These issues often trace back to information inconsistencies during the product and production development as well as change management. Addressing this challenge is crucial, as late-stage irregularities prove more costly. This paper focuses on improving information continuity for assembly workers by integrating product, process, and resource data within the change management process. Based on a case study at an automotive manufacturer, we were able to demonstrate significant benefits in information flow, error reduction, and enhanced assembly processes.