Manufacturing Change Management – A Case Study-Based Analysis Of Change Processes In Industrial Practice

In the constantly changing landscape of modern manufacturing, companies face numerous challenges that require a continuous adaptation of their factories. As a result, the number and variety of Manufacturing Changes (MCs) are increasing, making proficient Manufacturing Change Management (MCM) critical to the long-term competitiveness of manufacturing companies. In particular, the change process, i.e., the sequence of steps for dealing with MCs, is important, as its effectiveness and efficiency are essential to a functioning MCM system. Several broad-based surveys have provided initial insights into the application of MCM in practice, but no studies examine MCM processes in detail. This contribution presents an in-depth analysis of MCM processes in an industrial context through a case study involving three manufacturing companies from various industries. The study provides clarity on the organizational relevance of MCM and the differences between processes and data management in different companies in industrial practice. This contribution thus develops the basis for further research activities in the field of MCM.