From Intention to Use to Active Use of a Mobile Application in Norwegian ETO Manufacturing

Abstract

The introduction of digital technologies is starting to change the prevailing work practices at Aker Solutions’ yard at Stord in Vestland county. However, in order to derive business value and attain real transformative effects of digitalization, the challenges related to implementation must be identified and addressed. In this chapter, we examine the ongoing implementation of the mobile application WeBuild, at Aker Solutions’ yard at Stord. The overall goal with the application is to support more efficient work processes, reduce costs, increase organizational flexibility, and thereby ease the coming transition to “green” market segments. We use data from an extensive survey with answers from more than 500 respondents working at the yard at Stord to identify both organizational and infrastructural challenges with regard to this specific implementation. Analyses indicate that training and user involvement, functionality and usability, and technical infrastructure are important determinants which influence the active use of the WeBuild application. In more detail, our findings show that functionality adapted to the needs of the respondents’ respective disciplines was the strongest predictor of active use and that poor Internet access in certain parts of the yard makes it challenging to use WeBuild and other digital solutions. Further, we discuss how Aker Solution could overcome some of these challenges and attain business value from WeBuild and other digital solutions and initiatives. WeBuild is one of the many digital initiatives in Aker Solutions. By investigating the implications of this specific implementation along several dimensions, this study sheds light on the many difficulties Norwegian companies are facing when they try to reap the benefits of digital transformation. While Aker Solutions get insights with regard to the contextual challenges at this specific yard, one can extract important learning points that are useful in other contexts as well. Norwegian manufacturers must learn from each other to succeed with digital transformation.