Improving the efficiency of the hose manufacturing process
Savolainen, Juuso (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025061122359
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025061122359
Tiivistelmä
The pursuit of improved efficiency and safer working conditions in industrial manufacturing has increasingly focused on process refinement and partial automation. In hose manufacturing, early-stage tasks such as preparation and component assembly are often repetitive and physically demanding, yet central to downstream quality and productivity. This thesis examines how targeted improvements in tools and workflows can support efficiency gains at Masino Industry, with a particular emphasis on enhancing the hose preparation phase.
The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative insights from employee surveys and workplace observations with quantitative data pro-vided by Masino’s internal process breakdowns. This methodology enabled a comprehensive analysis of pain points in current operations, highlighting both perceived inefficiencies and measurable time allocations across different pro-duction stages. The research is grounded in lean thinking and process improvement theory, with a focus on incremental, low-risk interventions.
Findings suggest that hose preparation presents a viable starting point for process enhancement. Improved tool safety and functionality, better alignment with downstream tasks such as welding, and operator involvement in solution development were identified as key areas for impact. These adjustments could increase production consistency, reduce physical strain, and foster a smoother workflow without requiring a full system redesign.
In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates how modest, strategically applied changes in early-stage manufacturing can support broader operational goals in customized production environments. Future research should explore how similar approaches can be extended to other product lines and inform long-term automation planning across the organization.
The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative insights from employee surveys and workplace observations with quantitative data pro-vided by Masino’s internal process breakdowns. This methodology enabled a comprehensive analysis of pain points in current operations, highlighting both perceived inefficiencies and measurable time allocations across different pro-duction stages. The research is grounded in lean thinking and process improvement theory, with a focus on incremental, low-risk interventions.
Findings suggest that hose preparation presents a viable starting point for process enhancement. Improved tool safety and functionality, better alignment with downstream tasks such as welding, and operator involvement in solution development were identified as key areas for impact. These adjustments could increase production consistency, reduce physical strain, and foster a smoother workflow without requiring a full system redesign.
In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates how modest, strategically applied changes in early-stage manufacturing can support broader operational goals in customized production environments. Future research should explore how similar approaches can be extended to other product lines and inform long-term automation planning across the organization.