Introduction of a new product in an operating assembly process at Graz University of Technology´s LEAD Factory

Volatile markets and uncertain future scenarios require the capability to efficiently adapt production volumes according to market needs. The increasing variety of products is driven by a shift towards customer markets. Consequently, companies have to deal with more variants of existing products and steady introduction of new products to meet customer needs. The implementation necessitates knowledge about different strategies to cope with short term product mix changes and the understanding of consequential effects on the production system. The Institute of Innovation and Industrial Management at Graz University of Technology operates the LEAD Factory to enable practice-oriented learning in an environment close to industrial reality. The aim of this research is to discuss a concept how to teach the implementation of a new product in a lean improved assembly process. Therefore, this research outlines (1) strategies to cope with new variants and products in an operating assembly process, (2) the case of the LEAD Factory introducing a new product and (3) based on experiences gained from industry projects and operating the LEAD Factory the respective teaching module “introduction of an e-scooter”. Within the corresponding teaching model training participants will analyze the new product, identify the relevant differences to the classic pedal scooter and determine necessary tools and times for the additional assembly tasks. End product of the teaching module is the implementation of a new production layout and the levelling of the production. In the center of the teaching module is the elaboration of a simulation model to explore the impact of the gathered solutions before physically changing the learning factory.