MODELING ENGINEERING CHANGE ADMINISTRATION IN PAINTED BODY MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS ACROSS NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTION PHASES: A SYSTEM DYNAMICS APPROACH

This study rigorously examines the complexities inherent in Engineering Change Administration (ECA) for painted body processes within automotive manufacturing during the New Product Introduction phase. Utilizing a System Dynamics approach, developed through a collaborative effort between a leading global automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and academic researchers, this paper models the introduction and implications of engineering changes. The analysis delineates two principal pathways for the implementation of changes: (1) the lean implementation pathway and (2) the late implementation request pathway, elucidating their respective operational complexities and coordination demands. Key analytical metrics developed include the complexity index and the quality coordination cost, which quantitatively assess the challenges and variability associated with the implementation of engineering changes. These metrics serve as critical indicators for evaluating the efficiency and potential complications in the integration of new engineering features. The findings underscore the necessity for strategic planning and the pivotal role of specialized ECA departments in optimizing change management processes. This research enhances the scholarly understanding of painted body ECA operations and contributes valuable insights towards advancing manufacturing efficacy and quality within the automotive industry. © © American Society for Engineering Management, 2024.

MODELING ENGINEERING CHANGE ADMINISTRATION IN PAINTED BODY MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS ACROSS NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTION PHASES: A SYSTEM DYNAMICS APPROACH Academic Article in Scopus