The impact of self-serve applications on manufacturing performance

Abstract

This thesis examines the use and impact of self-serve applications in manufacturing environments, while providing a historical review of manufacturing management systems. A survey of Tulip Interfaces, Inc. customers was performed. This survey focuses on manufacturing challenges, how customers typically dealt with these challenges, the impact of the Tulip platform and future opportunities for customers. These surveys were conducted over the phone and in-person using open-ended questions. Tulip applications are found to increase operator performance and product quality, while improving organizational collaboration as inter-departmental teams implement new technology. Conversely, the perception of the greatest challenge to future adoption of new technologies (such as Tulip) is organizational resistance.