Title: Process mapping as a tool for participative integration of human factors into work system design

Authors: Aileen J. Lim; Judy Village; Filippo A. Salustri; W. Patrick Neumann

Addresses: Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, Human Factors Engineering Lab, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada ' Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, Human Factors Engineering Lab, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada ' Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, Human Factors Engineering Lab, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada ' Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., M5B 2K3, Toronto, ON, Canada

Abstract: In this study, we develop and evaluate a method for applying business process mapping to document the production system design process (PSDP) within an electronics manufacturer. We then test the ability of the map to facilitate identification of opportunities to integrate human factors (HF) proactively into the company's PSDP. Stakeholders (n = 31) from various departments were involved in recorded interviews and workshops (109 hours over 20 months) at three stages: map creation, map application, and evaluation of the mapping process. Map application resulted in stakeholders identifying 13 opportunities to integrate proactive human factors into specifically mapped points of the PSDP. The map allowed participants to see the flow of activities and information from a higher level. Methodological issues to resolve in undertaking a PSDP include definition of scope and level of mapping detail, content errors, missing information, and map overlap. [Received 6 April 2012; Revised 25 February 2013; Revised 12 June 2013; Accepted 28 July 2013]

Keywords: business process mapping; human factors; production systems design; design process; participatory macroergonomics; participative integration; work system design; electronics manufacturing; ergonomics.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIE.2014.060477

European Journal of Industrial Engineering, 2014 Vol.8 No.2, pp.273 - 290

Published online: 28 Jun 2014 *

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