El Sevier | November 2024
In this case study, we comprehensively explore the synergistic potential of integrating the kata methodology and IIoT technology to boost assembly line productivity. The study presents the design principles governing the implementation of the kata methodology with IIoT and underscores the pivotal role of real-time data in this context. This work demonstrates a compelling benefit of the integrated IIoT-kata approach in a real-world setting. It further suggests the changes to the 4M factors (men, method, materials, machine), highlighting the significance of traceability in manufacturing and the positive impact on Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). The paper presents the task scorecards and dashboards for real-time monitoring and decision-making. The results encompass quantitative and qualitative outcomes, spotlighting the enhanced productivity and efficiency achieved through the IIoT-kata implementation.
Keywords: Toyota Kata, Improvement Kata, Assembly line, Continuous improvement, IIoT, Industry 4.0
Chandan Chowdhury is a Professor of Operations Management and Information Systems (Practice) at the Indian School of Business (ISB). He is also the Executive Director of the Munjal Institute for Global Manufacturing and the Punj-Lloyd Institute of Infrastructure Management at ISB.
Additionally, Professor Chowdhury serves as a Member of the Board of Governors at IIM Sambalpur and Lamrin Tech Skills University.
Before joining ISB, Professor Chowdhury worked in the corporate sector and was associated with three major multinational companies, where he held positions such as Managing Director and Country Manager. He served Dassault Systèmes for over five years, initially as Managing Director, India Geo, and subsequently as Vice President, Global Affairs.
During his last academic appointment, he was Professor, Dean (Academy), and Chairman of the Board of Research at IIM Mumbai (formerly known as NITIE- National Institute of Industrial Engineering, established as a joint initiative between the United Nations and the Government of India in 1963).
He is passionate about leveraging technology to make the world a better place. He served as an expert panel member at NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India, Government of India), helping to develop the Manufacturing India@2035 roadmap. He is also Chairman of the Technical Committee (Management and Productivity) at the Bureau of Indian Standards.
Professor Chowdhury is currently leading several research projects of national importance, such as ‘A Decade of Infrastructure Development in India: trends and Insights’, ‘Challenges and Opportunities for accelerating MSME’s growth’, ‘Making India a Skill Capital of the World,’ ‘India’s readiness for the 4th and the 5th Industrial revolution,’ and ‘Future of Jobs’.
He holds an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, and a PhD from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Budapest University of Technology and Economics.
He holds an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, and a PhD from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Budapest University of Technology and Economics.
