Implementation of manufacturing data management application in the scientific research project. Case: CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research

This Bachelor’s thesis examined the implementation process of an MTF (Manufacturing and Test Folder) application in the CLIC (Compact Linear Collider) Radio Frequency Structure Development project for manufacturing data management purposes. The primary goal of the study was to investigate how MTF implementation and its integration with CERN EDMS (Engineering and Equipment Data Management System) system could facilitate product life cycle through the supply chain, and could affect on manufacturing operations performance in internaland external levels. The aim of the study was also to find out implementation differences within CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) projects. The study is divided into two parts: a qualitative theory section and an empirical section. In the theory section differences of features between PDM (Product Data Management), EDM (Engineering Data Management) and PLM (Product Life Cycle Management) systems were studied. The thesis examined the benefits and managerial challenges of PLM implementation. The qualitative empirical study is based on data gathered during active participation in the implementation process of CLIC RF Structure Development project, as well as, from interviews in CERN projects having MTF implementation experience. Data gathered from MTF trainings and seminars dedicated to MTF implementation give additional details of the implementation process analysis. The results of the study showed that MTF implementation was performed in different ways in various CERN projects. The purposes of implementation also varied. The ways how MTF implementation facilitates product life cycle and manufacturing operations differed from project to project. With a small serial production CLIC RF team has not yet implemented all advanced features of MTF application, including the system’s inventory management capabilities. Therefore, different examined implementation solutions provided valuable information for further implementation phases of CLIC RF Structure Development project.