-Manager Namjung Hwang, Production Information Management Team
Q. What are the roles and responsibilities of the Production Information Management Team?
A. The Production Operations Division at Hyundai Transys is responsible for establishing production plans to ensure the smooth production and stable delivery of powertrain products. It manages production progress, product specifications, and material supply to ensure the efficient operation of production lines. Within this division, the Production Information Management Team oversees and manages all design and specification information for products manufactured at the plant. Even after mass production begins, design specification changes frequently occur to improve quality, enhance productivity, and reduce costs. When the R&D Design Division issues an EO (Engineering Order) —a technical specification change notice— our team is the first to receive it. We act in a project manager–like capacity, coordinating the entire process to ensure that new product drawings and component specifications are accurately applied to the production process. The Specification Part, which I belong to, is responsible for managing detailed component specifications for each vehicle model in real time and updating any changes in the system accordingly. The key is to rigorously manage production-related data —including specification control and master data management—and determine the optimal timing for implementation by comprehensively considering factors such as productivity, operating rates, quality, and cost.
Q. Production management is one of the core roles in the automotive industry. What led you to choose this field?
A. Personally, I’ve loved cars since I was little. In fact, I was so interested in them that I could recognize and name almost every brand and model that passed by on the street. Although I majored in electronic engineering, my strong interest in automobiles led me to take every course related to electrification trends. Courses on electric energy devices such as motors, power conversion systems like inverters and converters, and secondary battery technologies greatly helped me build foundational knowledge of automotive components. As a result, I was able to begin my career in the automotive industry without much difficulty.
When I joined Hyundai Transys, I was assigned to a specification management role within production management at the recommendation of my team leader, who had interviewed me during the hiring process. I think he recognized my organized nature and problem-solving mindset and thought I would be a good fit for the position.
So, someone who started as a “car enthusiast” like me ended up working in one of the core areas that bring cars to completion — and I take great pride in what I do.
Q. What products are you currently in charge of? And do you think your work suits your aptitude?
A. I have mainly been in charge of automatic and continuously variable transmissions, but recently my responsibilities have expanded to include managing EOs and BOMs (Bills of Materials) for motors used in hybrid drive systems. I am also participating in the electrification line expansion project.
When I first joined the company, my work was focused solely on internal combustion engine systems. Since I majored in electronic engineering, I worked hard to supplement my knowledge of mechanical engineering. However, after taking on additional responsibilities for electrified products, I’ve been able to apply my academic background more directly, which has given me an even greater sense of satisfaction. My tendency to plan thoroughly and manage even the smallest details has proven to be an excellent match for specification management work. Even in daily life, when I set out to achieve something, I map out every step toward my goal and prepare contingency plans in case problems arise — a mindset that closely mirrors the nature of my job.
*BOM(Bill of Materials): A comprehensive list detailing the names, specifications, and quantities of all components required for product manufacturing.
Q. Have there been any particularly challenging tasks despite your efforts?
A. In the beginning, the biggest challenge was communicating directly with various departments and people. To reflect design changes in the actual production process, coordination and consultation with multiple departments — including design, production, quality, manufacturing engineering, and procurement — are essential. Beyond having a solid technical understanding of both the product and the process, strong communication skills are crucial for aligning differing opinions and interests across departments. My experiences in extracurricular activities back in college, such as working as a student reporter and participating in on-campus competitions, were a great help. They gave me many opportunities to share ideas and communicate with people from diverse backgrounds. Given the nature of my work, I often have to lead meetings. As I gained more experience, I learned to communicate with greater awareness of my colleagues’ perspectives and communication styles, which has made collaboration much smoother.
Q. If you had to choose just one essential skill for specification management, what would it be?
A. I believe the most important skill is the ability to anticipate and manage risks. Specification changes can affect every stage of the process — from production volume and inventory to quality and cost. If the implementation timing is off, it can lead to production line stoppages or excess inventory. To prevent such issues, we hold an “Initial Application Timing Meeting,” where all departments come together to fine-tune every detail of the change and proactively identify potential risks. The Specification Team leads this meeting, which requires both precise data
analysis and strong communication skills to foster mutual understanding across departments. Ultimately, one of the most essential skills in this role is the ability to persuade others through logical reasoning and reliable data, while coordinating diverse opinions from departments such as procurement, production, and quality — guiding everyone toward a unified direction.
Q. How are you experiencing the rapid shift toward electrification in your work?
A. The shift toward electrification is especially noticeable in the powertrain sector. Electrification requires a much higher level of precision in specification management. Since hybrid drive systems combine the motor and transmission, the design and production processes of multiple departments are closely interconnected. As a result, both the scope of management and the range of collaboration have expanded significantly. The number of newly introduced materials and production processes continues to increase, so there’s a lot more to learn and many changes in how we work. Carefully analyzing how component changes affect the overall production process will remain an ongoing challenge.
As the transition accelerates, I can clearly feel that precision in specification management and effective collaboration are becoming more important than ever on the production floor. Personally, I hope to see more electrification component production lines established at the Seosan Plant. My goal is to work with as many vehicle models and electrified components as possible. Above all, I hope the exceptional electrified products developed by our company will be embraced by customers around the world.
Q. As you reach your third year at the company, which project has been the most memorable for you?
A. One of the most memorable experiences was my business trip to our Monterrey Plant in Mexico this past May, where I spent about two weeks providing technical support. It was my first overseas assignment, and I went alone, so I initially felt quite a bit of pressure. But it turned out to be a special experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally. The trip was arranged to support the establishment of a new hybrid production line at the Monterrey Plant, where assistance was needed from headquarters in areas such as BOM creation and EO management operations. I also conducted training sessions for local staff on the specification management system. Although I was still relatively new at the time, I approached the assignment with a strong sense of responsibility, knowing that I was representing my team. Before the trip, I thoroughly prepared by researching the plant’s production processes and component specifications, and by creating training materials and manuals to share with local employees. Thanks to that preparation, I was able to complete all the planned tasks successfully. It was a challenging experience, but it gave me confidence and became a valuable opportunity for growth. I was especially grateful to my team members for trusting me and giving me the chance to grow, and to the team at the Monterrey Plant for recognizing the importance of the project and offering their full cooperation.
Q. What are the advantages of working at the Seosan Plant?
A. I think the biggest advantage of working at the Seosan Plant is being able to directly see and experience the actual products and changes taking place in production. Since my role involves determining how design specification changes should be applied to mass production lines, observing those changes firsthand gives me a stronger sense of accomplishment. It’s rewarding to witness how concepts that might seem abstract — such as drawings, data, and system information — are transformed into real, tangible products on-site every day.
Q. What does your typical workday routine look like?
A. I go to work early and start my day with breakfast at the company cafeteria, always making sure to have vegetable juice. After that, I check the first batch of emails and system notifications, review design change items, and prepare for department meetings or discussions throughout the morning. In the afternoon, I mainly focus on updating the system with meeting outcomes. At the beginning and end of each month, I also organize key data such as EO implementation plans and performance results, which are an important part of my work.
Q. How do you usually spend your time after work?
A. Like many of my colleagues, I live in the “Happywon” dormitory within the Jigok complex. In my early days at the company, I often spent weekday evenings having dinner or working out with my coworkers. I especially enjoy playing soccer and used to join matches quite regularly. The natural grass field inside the complex is fantastic. There are also excellent facilities, such as a gym and fitness center, which make it easy to stay active.
Q. As a specification manager, what are your future plans and goals?
A. My goal is to continue developing my capabilities so that I can take the lead in managing projects amid the accelerating transition to electrification. I’m currently part of a cross-functional team(CFT) working on a hybrid drive system project, and I hope to gain as much hands-on experience as possible with various electrification items whenever opportunities arise. Hyundai Transys’s electrification strategy is expanding from domestic operations to global production hubs, and I’d love to have more opportunities for overseas assignments to witness and experience these changes firsthand at our global manufacturing sites.
Q. Lastly, if you were to describe the company and your work in one phrase, what would it be?
A. The word that comes to mind is “well,” as in the place you draw water from. Since work takes up a large part of my daily life, there’s always a risk of becoming confined within it if I don’t look beyond. But at the same time, I can broaden my perspective by continuing to draw from a well that never runs dry. I want to be someone who never grows complacent — someone who learns from diverse perspectives both inside and outside the company and continues to grow. With the mindset of drawing water from the well myself, I hope to keep growing together with Hyundai Transys.
