New methodological framework to improve productivity and ergonomics in assembly system design

This work analyses how ergonomics and assembly system design techniques are intimately related. It also develops a new theoretical framework to assess a concurrent engineering approach to assembly systems design problems, in conjunction with an ergonomics optimization of the workplace. Its purpose is to provide professionals with a new and detailed approach to assembly system design procedures that includes ergonomics issues. The methodological framework offered takes into account technological variables (related to work times and methods), environmental variables (i.e. absenteeism, staff turnover, work force motivation) and ergonomics evaluations (i.e. human diversity) to create a comprehensive analysis. At conclusion of the study, the work reports data and insights from two real industrial cases, where an advanced simulation software is used, to validate the procedure and support methodology applicability. Relevance to industries: This work provides an extremely valuable methodological framework to companies who recognize the link between assembly and ergonomics. The methodology underlines the necessity to analyze and classify the assembly system layout configuration in relation to both technological and environmental parameters- as reported in the framework. (C) 2010 Elsevier BM. All rights reserved.