A transformação digital e a demanda por sistemas híbridos de gestão de operaçõesum estudo de caso numa pequena empresa do setor moveleiro

Resumo

Aim – The present study aims at evaluating up to what extent Lean Thinking and Industry 4.0 are capable of providing answers for the operational challenges deriving from the digital transformation through which the furniture industry has been going, especially the small companies in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Secondarily, it is intended to identify the dominant management practices in this segment and to understand how these companies are getting ready for the process of digital transformation. Methodology – This research is exploratory and with a qualitative approach. The research strategy used as a case study a company from the furniture industry segment, this company stands out for its influential and innovative aspects. Interviews were conducted so that information could be obtained, as well as secondary data, which could be collected via the examination of company documents, previous study, news articles in local newspapers and in class entities. In the process of data analysis, the content elements obtained were categorized and compared to descriptive elements from Lean Thinking and Industry 4.0. Thus, it was possible to evaluate up to what extent these ideas were absorbed by the company studied, and to cross-reference the observed facts with the perceptions of company managers and founders when it comes to the relevance and the use of such models of technology to face the demands brought by digital transformation. Results – It was perceived that, separately, neither Lean Thinking nor Industry 4.0 offered readymade answers to the disruptive demands which affect business in the sector. Nevertheless, a time series analysis indicated that Lean Thinking played a crucial role in the development and in the survival of the company in face of the economical crisis of the past few years. In effect, the innovative capacity stored by the organization when it comes to continuous improvement of its processes and the focus on the client as its priority compass for changes have shown conditions which were absolutely necessary (albeit not being sufficient) for the transformation process established. Similarly, the paradigm of Industry 4.0 seems far from the company’s possibilities due to its operational, human and financial limitations. However, in spite of this, elements like 3D printing integrated with CAD technology have been selectively introduced, playing an important role in the repositioning accomplished by the company. Thus, it can be concluded that the integrated use of different management technologies in the context of a hybrid system seems to be a very promising approach. Limitations – The case study portrayed in this work focused on a company located in a furnituremaking center in the mountainous area of Rio de Janeiro, said company has been gaining success in its process of digital transformation. Findings indicate relevant reflection pathways; still, they could not be broadened outside this context without wider validation. Practical Contributions – As the company here studied enjoys prestige and leadership in its area, it is believed that reflection about its history, mistakes, choices, setbacks and advances represents inspiring learning which may contribute to other companies in the regional center in their search for competitivity and innovation. Social Contributions – In spite of resource limitations, inherent to small and medium sized companies, they provide great aid in employment and income generation in the area and, in broader sense, throughout the country. Supporting them in their strategic and operational repositioning, in face of the competitive threats at the moment, can be seen as an element to generate social sustainability. Originality – Considering that digital transformation is still an incipient and ongoing process, it is only natural that most studies focus on leading companies in their areas, working on the border between knowledge and innovation. A still small number of works concentrate on small companies which, for having restricted technological and financial resources, need to reposition themselves quickly, discovering new niches and opportunities which may bring survival horizon and development. In this sense, this work, in concentrating its efforts in a small company of the furniture segment, conducted an analysis in an area still not much explored, but very promising.

Ficha do documento

Tipo

Dissertação

Ano

2019

Instituição

Fundação Getulio Vargas

Fonte

Repositório da FGV

Idioma

Português

Acesso

Acesso aberto

Identificador

oai:repositorio.fgv.br:10438/28646

Temas

Desenvolvimento RegionalDesenvolvimento EconômicoAdministração PúblicaTecnologia

Palavras-chave

Transformação digitalSistema híbridoMovelariaInovaçãoLean manufaturingDigital transformationHybrid systemFurnitureInnovationAdministração públicaIndústria de móveis - Inovações tecnológicas - Rio de Janeiro (Estado)Internet das coisasPlanejamento empresarial