Title: Engineering principles and production technology: automation and skill-based design in the US

Authors: Harold Salzman, Robert Lund

Addresses: University of Massachusetts, Center for Industrial Competitiveness, Lowell, MA 01854, USA. ' Boston University, Boston, USA

Abstract: New approaches to industrial technology design are often ignored in attempts by manufacturers to reorganize their production processes. By reviewing engineering texts, surveying leading manufacturing firms, and conducting in-depth case studies, we find that predominant approaches to technology design often fail to consider the human dimension of production. However, there is a small minority of companies using skill-based approaches to technology design to enhance product quality, manufacturing productivity, system flexibility, and the quality of working life. We discuss factors that make those design approaches increasingly important for enhancing the competitiveness of manufacturing.

Keywords: automation; competition; engineers; ergonomics; Fordism; human-centred design; human factors engineering; industrial technology; manufacturing management; manufacturing productivity; system flexibility; new technology; production processes; quality of working life; shopfloor skills; skill-based design; technology design; statistical process control; SPC; Taylorism; workers; engineering principles; production technology; USA; United States; advanced manufacturing technology; AMT.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1995.061940

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1995 Vol.16 No.4/5, pp.314 - 338

Published online: 28 May 2014 *

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