THE ROLE OF ONLINE REAL-TIME INFORMATION ON DIVISION AND COORDINATION OF (RE)PLANNING WORK AN EXPLORATIVE STUDY ABOUT CHANGES FOR DIVISION AND COORDINATION OF (RE)PLANNING PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES BASED ON ONLINE REAL-TIME INFORMATION

Abstract

Purpose – to explore the potential impact of the availability of online real-time information throughout the entire organisation on the organisation structure, especially the operational regulation structure related to (re)planning of production activities in traditional organisations. Research question – what is the potential impact of the availability of online real-time information throughout the entire organisation on the operational regulation structure related to (re)planning of production activities in traditional organisations? Research approach – a practice-oriented qualitative multiple case study at production companies. Findings – possible changes in the organisational structure are lowering the levels in the operational regulation structure, in line with the L-STSD theory. However, the responsibilities for (re)planning are to be found in different functions per company, not all in line with L-STSD. Company B sees the role of online real-time information as leading the employees. Company A and C see the role of online real-time information as supporting the employees. Research limitations/implications – the lacking details for implementation of digital twin, the consideration of operational activities in the L-STSD theory in an Industry 4.0 environment and the consideration to adjust the production structure in case of changes in the operational regulation structure due to the availability of online real-time information related to (re)planning.