A Human Factor Framework for Analysis of an Assembly Work

Abstract Manual assembly work can be classified in terms of degrees of freedom. In car manufacturing “bounded work” means work at the moving assembly line. “Free work” is arranged in separate work stations for teams working with functional modules. The human factor characteristics of the different work types can be described by a three factor framework: Activation. Predictability and Freedom of Action. These three key factors are based on well-established and heavily researched theories. By analysing each, and their interdependence, with the different job assignments we have got a new qualitative description based on quantitative data. These data can be used for the balancing of process-oriented work rotation, work enlargement and work enrichment. With the use of this methodology a design of work tasks can be made that is both good for the individual worker and results in maximum utilisation of the total resources.