Systematic learning factory improvement based on maturity level assessment

Continuous improvement is a fundamental way of keeping systems competitive. This is especially true for complex systems such as learning factories, taking into account for example underlying production theories and didactical concepts. Maturity models offer the opportunity to classify an object regarding its maturity level and to identify improvement potentials. Based on current research results, the structure and content for a maturity model assessing learning factories was developed and introduced. The model combines the design dimensions and elements of the learning factory morphology with structural elements of the European Foundation for Quality Management Model (EFQM model). The resulting maturity model is presented in this article. Furthermore, the results of its application are presented. Finally, the conclusions for model revisions will be discussed.