Web application + QR codes: an ICT tool to ease access of information and support standardized work

Paper in proceeding, 2015

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) may offer advantages to organizations, if it is well implemented and aligned to the organization’s goal(s), production system and/or business model. On the other hand, lean manufacturing may not succeed if the core concepts are misinterpreted. One of them, standardization, is the pillar for continuous improvement. Synergy is expected by using ICT tools to support lean in the standardization process. However, such combination of powerful concepts could create challenges for both. The aim of the presented work is to evaluate and validate how the use of ICT tools, - a Web application prototype and QR codes, could support the standardization process at a stable phase, and ease the access of information through QR codes. Different challenges were found while testing the tool, which will be further discussed. In general, the tool was perceived as useful and easy to use. The cycle time was measured to validate the effectiveness of the tool compared to the use of printed information. The main benefit was it eases the access to information, when the organization and control of document rules make hard to find the correct information at the right time.