Real‐time performance monitoring, goal‐setting, and feedback for forklift drivers in a distribution centre

Abstract

In this study conducted in two auto‐parts after‐market distribution centres, immediate performance goals and feedback were delivered to employees in a warehouse on wireless vehicle‐mounted computers. Engineered labour standards (ELS) calculated work‐unit goal times and presented the driver with immediate performance feedback. Ultimately, the ELS feedback was linked to the company's forklift driver team pallet‐per‐hour quota achievement. Replenishment performance for forklift drivers (N=12) was improved by 2.14 pallets per hour when an intervention package that included the depiction of goal times and immediate performance feedback on wireless vehicle‐mounted computers and a newly developed ELS. The implications of these findings, limitations, and safety issues are discussed in terms of operational issues regarding ELS in large industrial settings.

Ergonomics Improvement in Order Selection in a Refrigerated Environment

“…Furthermore, the visual and audio feedback can increase work quality, as highlighted in the interview and employee satisfaction survey. This agrees with Goomas and Ludwig (2007) and Ludwig and Goomas (2009), which reported work-quality improvement through the reduction of percentage of mispick products.…”

“…(480 min/442.8 min) × 100% -100% = 8.4%.] This complements the findings of other studies that reported productivity improvements when a visual and audio feedback system was used in an auto parts distribution center Ludwig & Goomas, 2009). However, the prior studies did not address the ergonomics aspects, that is, work satisfaction.…”

“…Prior studies , 2009 were conducted using the wireless handheld system for a nonharsh environment, that is, a warehouse for automobile parts. This study was different, as the refrigerated storage facility was very cold (4 • C), and the operators had to wear protective clothing and gloves.…”

“…Only qualitative data on work-quality improvement was collected. Quantitative data, such as percentage of mispick items, were not collected in this study because management was convinced on the quality improvement benefits (of the handheld system) gathered from prior studies by Goomas and Ludwig (2007) and Ludwig and Goomas (2009). These studies had already provided quantitative data, suggesting that the handheld system improved work quality.…”

The effects of work sampling and feedback on individuals' work- and safety-related behaviour prior to, during, and after observer presence

“…Conversely, performance monitoring is a useful technique that provides managers a means for obtaining accurate information about employees' performance on a moment by moment basis via direct observation, in comparison to estimating employee performance via self-reporting (Donaldson and Grant-Vallone, 2002;Komaki, 1986). When accurate information is obtained on employee behaviour, managers are able to establish attainable work-and safety-related goals and deliver accurate performance feedback to their employees Ludwig and Goomas, 2009), thus increasing the likelihood that unsafe, inefficient, and ineffective performance is corrected and improved. Even though direct observation of behaviour is an important feature of work sampling, little is known about how direct observation specifically affects subordinates and their behaviour.…”