Human and computer integrated manufacturing: A manufacturing strategy based on organization, people, and technology

Abstract

Much of the human factors research in the area of advanced manufacturing has been concerned with human factors in the design and implementation of manufacturing technology. Recent research has shown that competitive manufacturing needs to be based upon developing a manufacturing strategy which satisfies business needs. Investment in technology by itself does little to improve competitiveness and profitability. The article therefore considers the application of human factors in the development of a manufacturing strategy. This is quite a different problem from using human factors at the design and implementation level, and a more careful and pragmatic approach is needed. Some preliminary results of research aimed at developing a manufacturing strategy tool kit suitable for senior managers are described.

Human factors of it-based solutions for worldwide manufacturing web

“…Kidd, 1991;Helander, 1994). Below is a review and critique of some of the expectations of the WMW based on the experiences of past projects described in the literature.…”

“…Research in the manufacturing industry and in academia has repeatedly demonstrated that to improve competitiveness and profitability in manufacturing, one must consider how people interact with technology (e.g., Helander, 1994;Kidd, 1991;Siemieniuch & Sinclair, 1995). One must also consider how organizations will adapt to the new conditions (e.g., Bessant, Levy, Ley, Smith, & Tranfield, 1992).…”

“…The irony is that these problems are largely nontechnical in nature, and are therefore not contemplated by technologists. The integration of technology, people, and organization must be addressed prior to the technology (Kidd, 1991). Therefore, the timeline for the development of WMW depends on the ability to solve many nontechnical issues, in particular, corporate strategies for communication and decision making, delegation of authority, and interface problems involving humancomputer interaction.…”

Intelligent Macroergonomics Approach for Evaluation of Integrated Manufacturing, Organization, Human Resources, and Information Systems

“…These failures have both short term and long term effects, including wasting of valuable resources, lower confidence in leadership or increased resistance to change. Since effectiveness of such systems depends upon abilities of the people to compensate for limitations of technology, the organizational and other human factors issues are critical to the success of technology (Kidd 1991, Kidd and.…”

Human Issues in Manufacturing Technology

“…Kidd (1991) reports, "One study of manufacturing firms in the United Kingdom has shown that of the firms examined, all of them managed to achieve technical success. In other words, all the companies examined got their technical systems installed and fully operational, with all operating problems resolved.…”