A Framework for Manufacturing Innovation Management and the Integration of Learning Factories

Abstract

AbstractManufacturing innovation management is a core process within the continuous improvement of manufacturing systems. Innovation managers are constantly trying to improve manufacturing systems with regard to the target criteria reliability, variability and productivity. However, manufacturing innovation management is significantly different to innovation management in product development, as manufacturing requires more structured processes and a more hierarchical organization due to its operational objectives. In order to improve the understanding of innovation management in manufacturing, relevant scientific and practical approaches have been studied and adapted to the requirements of manufacturing. This approach presents and describes the identified core elements of a holistic framework for manufacturing innovation management, which are innovation culture, strategy, organization, management, methods and soft- and hardware. Furthermore, it is described how the use of learning factories in the context of manufacturing can successfully support these core elements by improving the employee’s motivation and ability to innovate by creating open space for innovation in manufacturing.KeywordsInnovation managementManufacturing innovation managementInnovation for productionLearning factoriesSmart labs