Title: A systematic approach to assess visual inspection tasks: an assembly line case

Authors: Mustafa Can Tuncer; Necmettin Firat Ozkan; Berna Haktanirlar Ulutas

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26480 Eskisehir, Turkey ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26480 Eskisehir, Turkey ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26480 Eskisehir, Turkey

Abstract: This study aims to introduce a systematic approach to assess the in-line inspection process to minimise quality related costs. Data related with assembly tasks and visual inspection are gathered by use of an eye-tracker to determine the duration for search time and number of non-conformities detected for a critical workstation. The steps of the approach are applied at an assembly line of a household appliance manufacturing facility. The line balancing study that is conducted by considering assembly and visual inspection durations prove that use of an eye tracker has a potential to improve the inspection process and minimise costs resulting from appraisal and internal failure. Results illustrate that there is a significant difference in total time for fixation and fixation count for the worker when considering visual inspection before and after the improvements.

Keywords: human factors; quality control costs; assembly line; eye-tracking; visual quality control.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2020.106024

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2020 Vol.29 No.3, pp.418 - 438

Received: 16 Mar 2018
Accepted: 14 Dec 2018
Published online: 24 Mar 2020 *

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