Safety shortcomings within a sawmill facility : How can Virtual Reality Simulators and RFID potentially decrease the most common identified causes?

In a changing and globalized world, companies are faced with an ever-increased competition. This rapid change has made a big impact, where automation, complex production and customization are common requirements in order to stay competitive. Due to more complex production, companies need to prioritize safety aspects simultaneously as they develop internal processes. The addressed problem in this thesis have been centralized to the department Massamagasinet at Södra Cell in Mönsterås, mainly due to their experienced safety problems regarding forklifts and heavy vehicles. Due to the chosen context, a case study has been conducted in order to create an in-depth understanding of Södra’s witnessed safety issues. The executed thesis has been characterized by three theoretical perspectives: Multi Causational Theory, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of New Technology as well as Virtual Reality. Thanks to the theories, an identification of safety shortcomings as well as user requirements was made possible. The context and theoretical perspectives have consistently been linked to chosen technologies, Virtual Reality simulators and RFID. Furthermore, interviews with users as well as software-developers have provided a broader perspective, regarding the situation and techniques mentioned above. Results generated, includes both technical possibilities and limitations based on the thesis initial perspective. Moreover, it has been shown that a potential reduction of identified shortcomings is possible, by using a Virtual Reality simulator and RFID system. However, it’s worth mentioning that such implementations and the advantages they potentially might generate, are feasible first when prevailing requirements regarding the techniques are carefully considered. Investments of similar character require both human and financial resources, where maximum value can be achieved first if the employees stands positively against such implementation. Thanks to the theory Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of New Technology, this thesis has been enriched with an additional perspective which aimed to investigate how Södra in general, and Massamagasinet in particular, stands towards new techniques