Year: 2026
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This study examines engineering information management in an Engineer-to-Order (ETO) environment, focusing on the reuse of engineering information. The objective of the study was to identify current information management practices and challenges related to reuse in addition to possible improvement opportunities in ETO engineering. The study was conducted as a qualitative case study following a design science research approach within ABB’s Large Motors and Generators business line. Empirical data were collected through semi-structured interviews with engineers and supported by internal documents and process-related understanding. The findings were analyzed using a lifecycle perspective including information creation, storage, retrieval, reuse and updating. The results show that reuse is a common part of engineering work but can often be informal and strongly dependent on individual experience. Challenges related to inconsistent naming practices, fragmented information storage, missing contextual information and unclear maintenance responsibilities reduce the efficiency of reuse. Based on the findings, a conceptual framework consisting of lifecycle alignment, structured content, findability, governance and adoption was developed to support the reuse of engineering information. The study concludes that improving reuse in ETO environments requires both technical and organizational improvements across the engineering information lifecycle.
Source: Aaltodoc (Aalto University)
Author: Hanley, Marcus
Language: English
Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7203730757