Working Practices in Welding: A Qualitative Study on Knowledge and Expertise Sharing in the Welding Industry

Abstract This study investigates issues of (KES) in conventional manufacturing processes concerning the use of welding. In view of the shortage of skilled workers and the advancing digitalisation processes in welding, it is essentially relevant to identify how KES takes place. Based on an in-depth study, the possibilities of digital assistance systems to support KES in welding are discussed. The novelty of our contribution lies in the use of a (CSCW) perspective to understand how welding practices can be supported and shared among co-workers. Such practices, as made evidence across the contribution, have particular aspects that make them unique in comparison with other practices in the metal-working industry. Technologies that are already available offer promising possibilities to the challenges faced by KES in welding and have the potential to shape a third generation of KES. While operational activities can benefit from visual digital support, administrative and managerial tasks primarily require better access to relevant information and a better understanding of the practice. Our contribution offers valuable insights for the further development of KES in industrial manufacturing processes and show potential for the targeted use of innovative technologies in welding. It also adds to the CSCW body of literature on KES, by contributing an empirical study on a domain not well explored in the field.