Inserting cost effectiveness to the ergonomic equation when considering practical solutions

Gilad, Issachar; Elnekave, M.

doi:10.1080/00207540500525262

Cited by 9 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Although there are a limited number of digital human modeling and virtual human simulation tools (Hu et al, 2011;Duffy, 2007;Lamkull et al, 2009;Gilad and Elnekave, 2006;Yang et al, 2009;Rajan, 1999;Otto and Scholl, 2011), it is questionable whether they are accessible, cost-effective, and practical in manufacturing environments (Perez, in press), and whether they provide meaningful design recommendations to engineers (Kaljun, 2012). We agree with others that HFS have failed to provide useful models, checklists, methodologies, and tools to help designers (Clegg et al, 1996;Wulff, 1999), and that there is a need for improved proactive HF methods and tools appropriate for production engineers (Ma et al, 2010;Falck and Rosenqvist, 2012;Teperi and Leppanen, 2011;Wells et al, 2007).…”

Section: Adaptation Of Industrial Engineering Tools To Include Hf Can Facilitate Integration Of Hfmentioning

confidence: 99%

The integration of human factors into a company's production design process

Village¹

2021

Preprint

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Human factors (HF) considerations, integrated early in design of production assembly systems, can improve both worker health and business performance. A longitudinal case study using an action research style collaboration between researchers and a large electronics manufacturer was the platform for this investigation. The findings show “how” HF, previously outside engineering with HF specialists (HFS) performing reactive injury assessments, increasingly became integrated into each stage of the design process with HF adapted tools, enforceable targets, sign-off, and most HF work focused on proactive design alongside engineers. An operations research tool (cognitive mapping) was used to identify the HF perceptions of Senior Directors and link these to their strategic goals. As a result, HF specialists changed their focus from injury risk to reducing fatigue and improving worker performance and assembly quality. Several industrial engineering tools were also adapted for HF (eg. HF failure mode effects analysis, HF design-for-assembly) and used to quantitatively communicate HF concerns, drive continuous improvement, visibly demonstrate change, and lead to benchmarking. Qualitative data analyzed with a grounded theory methodology resulted in six constructs in the final “Design for Human Factors” theory. The theory propositions state that when: 1. HFS acclimate to the engineering process, language and tools; and 2. strategically align HF to the design and business goals, then HF becomes perceived as a means to improve business performance. This results in 3. HFS being pulled onto the engineering team, which increases HF application and engineers’ awareness of HF, and 4. Management hold engineers accountable for HF targets. Being on the engineering team leads to 5. Engineering tools adapted to include HF targets, and in combination results in 6. HF becoming embedded in the design process. Senior directors reported that increased HF application has improved the design of more recent assembly lines and made it easier for operators. The theory contributes an explanation about how HF can be integrated into design processes to inform researchers and practitioners and improve proactive HF application. Recommendations include increased education for HFS in engineering, and more collaborative research to develop tools that quantify and link worker performance to business metrics.

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Section: Adaptation Of Industrial Engineering Tools To Include Hf Can Facilitate Integration Of Hfmentioning

confidence: 99%

The integration of human factors into a company's production design process

Village¹

2021

Preprint

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“…In the work of Go et al (2011), the MOST is applied to quantify the difficulty scores of a disassembly operation to enhance the recycling rate. Besides, Gilad and Elnekave (2006) proposed an approach of developing a cost-effective ergonomic solution in which the MOST is used to assess the operator capabilities and attained improvements.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assembly line productivity improvement as re-engineered by MOST

Karim

Tuan

Kays

2016

IJPPM

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address and solve operational problems of an automotive industry in reaching production target by adopting Maynard Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) as lean and productivity improvement strategies. Design/methodology/approach In the undertaken case of auto-car rear window assembly line, a recurring production shortfall in fulfilling the daily demand is seemingly due to inappropriate work method. Initial observation of the operations led to suspect certain lapses in initiatives to adopt the time standards, to reduce or eliminate non-value added motions, to design suitable aisle and to assign tasks among workstations in a balanced manner. Subsequently an attempt is made to pinpoint the causes of poor performance and the bottlenecks through process flow analysis and time study by applying MOST. The elemental tasks are closely examined for possible reduction of workstation times by choosing efficient work methods with ergonomic features. Thus appropriate hand tools, jigs and fixture with nominal investment are prescribed to incorporate in the assembly works. The operational changes as steered by the MOST application have enhanced the workflow with a shorter cycle time which led to a substantial increase in productivity. Findings The productivity of the assembly line is increased by more than 29 percent from the earlier capacity through the MOST application which is deemed to meet the current level of demand. Originality/value The adopted framework for recognizing the effectiveness of MOST to expose and rectify the flaws in work methods without much investment is expected to be beneficial for a manufacturer in securing the competitiveness.

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“…Third, most HF tools are illequipped to predict design problems, where more costeffective changes can be applied. A limited number of digital human modeling and virtual human simulation tools (like 3D SSPP or EAI Jack, ErgoMan) are being used in large companies, especially automotive (Rajan et al, 1999;Gilad & Elnekave, 2006;Duffy, 2007;Lamkull et al, 2009;Yang et al, 2009;Hu et al, 2011;Otto & Scholl, 2011). However, it is questionable whether these tools are accessible, cost-effective, and practical in manufacturing environments (Perez & Neumann, in press) and whether they provide meaningful design recommendations to engineers (Kaljun & Dolsak, 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adapting Engineering Design Tools to Include Human Factors

Village

Greig

Zolfaghari

et al. 2014

IIE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors

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Inserting cost effectiveness to the ergonomic equation when considering practical solutions

Cited by 9 publications

References 6 publications

The integration of human factors into a company's production design process

The integration of human factors into a company's production design process

Assembly line productivity improvement as re-engineered by MOST

Adapting Engineering Design Tools to Include Human Factors

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