Comparison of different organisations of assembly work in the European automotive industry

Abstract The European automotive industry as a key industry of modern economies tries to be competetive with the help of chaning work organisations. One of the main issues besides just in time concepts and outsourcing is the implementation of team work and the integration of supporting functions. The production system often limits opportunities for change. Improvements of ergonomical issues and work load have to precede successful team work. The survey tries to give answers to the questions as to which activities are taken over from management levels to the shop floor, how far the process of change has proceeded and which necessary steps towards a human-oriented work organisation and product design have to be taken. Relevance to industry The systematic evaluation approach can serve as an exemplary procedure to detect weaknesses in the manufacturing process. It can help to compare actual to target values regarding the work organisation. The gap between management targets of new working structures and the actual activities of the work force helps to identify future fields of action.