Efficiency of process interfaces : Case Alfa Laval Power and Offshore and Cruise
Mettänen, Eveliina (2026)
2026
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202601161368
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202601161368
Tiivistelmä
The objective of the development work was to identify the current and wanted status of the interfaces of internal processes in Alfa Laval Power and Offshore and Cruise (P&O). The plan was also to define key performance indicators for the processes. As P&O has three-year strategy programme about operational excellence, among others, the work offered view for the internal issues related to the strategy programme.
For the work a case study was applied with the methods interview and document analysis. The interface between supply and project management was selected to be the case. The interview questions were built on same themes as the theoretical framework: processes, quality and continuous improvement. The interviewees were selected from both processes with different working roles to gain as wide understanding as possible of the studied phenomenon. For document analysis process flow charts and descriptions were studied. The research was made in September-November 2025.
It was found out that the interfaces and their demands are not defined in the process documentation. Some of the main challenges in the interfaces were related to process clarity and information flow between the processes. Lack of templates and framework was the biggest individual challenge that causes problems to work fluency in the interfaces. The average grade for interface functionality in the interviews was given to be 3,3/5.
The efficiency of process interfaces in the future can be improved with standardising and clear documentation. In addition, training for the personnel about other processes and their needs will help the interfaces to be more efficient. As the organisation is already planning to update the process documentation, the roles and responsibilities need to be clearly defined in the making. The principle of continuous improvement was seen as a good tool to maintain the efficiency of the interfaces after the biggest challenges are overcome. It can be seen to form an internal project for the organisation in the future.
For the work a case study was applied with the methods interview and document analysis. The interface between supply and project management was selected to be the case. The interview questions were built on same themes as the theoretical framework: processes, quality and continuous improvement. The interviewees were selected from both processes with different working roles to gain as wide understanding as possible of the studied phenomenon. For document analysis process flow charts and descriptions were studied. The research was made in September-November 2025.
It was found out that the interfaces and their demands are not defined in the process documentation. Some of the main challenges in the interfaces were related to process clarity and information flow between the processes. Lack of templates and framework was the biggest individual challenge that causes problems to work fluency in the interfaces. The average grade for interface functionality in the interviews was given to be 3,3/5.
The efficiency of process interfaces in the future can be improved with standardising and clear documentation. In addition, training for the personnel about other processes and their needs will help the interfaces to be more efficient. As the organisation is already planning to update the process documentation, the roles and responsibilities need to be clearly defined in the making. The principle of continuous improvement was seen as a good tool to maintain the efficiency of the interfaces after the biggest challenges are overcome. It can be seen to form an internal project for the organisation in the future.