The Chain Podcast · ASCM (The Association for Supply Chain Management)

The reBound: 3D Transformation at GE Appliances

·30 min·2 clips

GE Appliances uses AI to analyze factory ergonomics with just video, cutting problem-solving from weeks to hours.

This episode features Allison Seward, Executive Director of Manufacturing Quality at GE Appliances, explaining their company-wide 3D digital transformation. Hosts Abe Eshkenazi and Bob Trebilcock guide a discussion on integrating advanced digital tools into manufacturing and supply chain processes. GE Appliances adopted a new consumer-focused business model in 2017, organizing into micro-enterprises supported by central platform teams. The 3D transformation began eight years ago with benchmarking against the automotive industry and the introduction of 3D blue light scanners. The company transitioned from 2D drawings to full model-based definition, eliminating 2D drawings entirely within three years. Allison details applying these methods to a Monogram range program to eliminate visible gaps and refine interfaces for luxury craftsmanship. The digital ecosystem centers on a 3D product model and impacts eight areas, including digital performance, manufacturing, quality, and metrology. A key insight is that 3D scanning reduced product development iteration times from weeks or months to mere days or hours. The company uses AI-powered video analysis with a digital skeleton overlay to assess factory floor ergonomics without special suits. Teams create digital twins of factories by scanning facilities with mobile systems to simulate product and process interactions before physical builds. On the factory floor, "bingo boards" with color-coded tiles allow operators to instantly see process status and pull up 3D scan data to diagnose issues. Democratizing data access empowers machine operators and quality engineers to solve problems directly, such as using a 3D scan to quickly correct a misaligned injection molding press component. Allison emphasizes that starting the transformation without having every detail figured out was crucial, and showing the tools' effectiveness created believer-advocates. She argues that 3D tools like scanners and inspection software create more stimulating work and help upskill the workforce. The tone is educational and conversational, focused on practical application and organizational change. This episode is ideal for manufacturing leaders, quality engineers, and supply chain professionals interested in practical digital transformation case studies. Listeners seeking highly theoretical discussions or critiques of digital adoption might find it less applicable.

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