Human Factors

HUMAN FACTORS

Perspective

A productive work system should include

* Equipment – machines, material handling devices, instruments, etc.

* Processes – Chemical treatments, thermal treatments, laser hardening, etc.

* Materials – Raw materials, purchased parts, lubricants, chemicals, supplies, etc.

* Capital – Cash, credits, debits, investments, etc.

* Energy – Electrical, steam, mechanical.

* Facilities – Buildings, other structures.

* Information – Forecasts, sales records, costs, production costs, vendor histories, shop floor status, etc.

* People – Workers, supervisors, engineers, quality control engineers, salespeople, managers, etc.

When an Industrial Engineer specifies a machine to be included in the system, he does so knowing the performance characteristics of that machine. Typical machine characteristics are:

* Range of Operations – Operations it is capable of performing.

* Size of Workpiece – The machine can accommodate a workpiece up to a certain size and shape.

* Speed of Operation – Spindle speed, etc.

* Tolerance Capabilities – The tolerances the machine is capable of holding.

* Energy Consumption – Energy consumed in operation.

* Maintenance Requirements – Frequency of overhaul, other maintenance operations.

When an Industrial Engineer specifies that a human being should be included as a specific component in the system, it is equally important that the performance characteristics of the person is considered.

Performance Characteristic | "Typical" Machine Tool | "Typical" Human Being |

Range of Operations | Most MTs perform one basic operation; some perform up to 10. | Extremely broad range. |

Size of Workpiece | Some machines perform operations on microscopic-sized workpieces; others machine workpieces weighing several tons. | Very limited range. Cannot perform operations on extremely small items. Can perform repetitive operations on items weighing up to 50 pounds, where physical...