1.Worker Feedback Dashboard
The first pilot tested the Worker Feedback Dashboard in 3 Prima Power customer sites. Stera Oy, Elekmerk Oy and PRP Oy are all customers of Prima Power’s machinery, and agreed to test the solution in their factories. The dashboard allows workers to keep track of their production-related data and personal well-being indicators. The app was piloted in test cycles in spring 2018 and spring 2019.
The evaluation results were very positive. The workers found the user experience and usability good. They were mainly interested in data related to sleep, heart rate and number of steps.
2.Off-site Training Solution
The second pilot tested the Off-site Training Solution, which allows training in a realistic factory environment well before the actual machinery has been implemented at the customer site. This pre-training platform was piloted in spring 2019.
The overall responses to the training solution were very positive. The different means for presenting the learning content (3D models, videos, animations, text, quizzes) were seen as very appropriate. The usability and user experience aspects will be developed further.
3.Social Media Platform
The third solution that Prima Power piloted is the Social Media Platform for Contextual Knowledge Sharing. It aims to increase knowledge sharing and co learning between experienced and new workers through various social media technologies, such as forums, instant messaging, news feeds, and gamification. The platform allows for sharing of multimedia content, reaching out to service representatives and providing solutions to common problems.
The piloting took the form of expert evaluation and testing with Prima Power trainers in winter 2019. The system interface was accepted by the users, and the knowledge sharing aspect was considered applicable as it allows instant contact with multiple people. The design features of the application revealed some restrictions in usability.
4.Decision Support System
The final pilot consisted of an expert evaluation of the Task Distribution Engine (TDE) from the Decision Support System. This module is responsible for assigning tasks, responding to events and real-time occurrences in the shop floor, and making any necessary adaptations to the original work schedule.
The feedback on the user experience was neutral at this stage, as it is too early to assess it properly. A detailed assessment will be carried out once the solution is more mature.