Improved Quality Output through Computer Based Training - an Automotive Assembly Field Study

Journal article, 2015

In this article, two field experiments, conducted in an automotive assembly plant, evaluate how computer-based training of operational sequences and related quality information can support the assembly performance of the operators. The experiments were performed during the launch of a new vehicle. A comparison was made of learning progress and quality performance between a reference group of operators that only had regular training and a test group for which some of the regular training was replaced with individual computer-based training. Both quantitative measures of the quality output and questionnaires and observations were used to evaluate the effects of computer-based training. The results show a clear positive difference in learning progress and improvements in quality output for the test group compared with the reference group. This combined with positive attitudes expressed by the operators and their team leaders shows that this type of training is an effective way to train operators during launches of new vehicles in automotive production.