Simulation and innovation in work system design: Using simulation to design for the ‘human factor’

Are productivity gains from new manufacturing approaches (such as lean parallel flow) compromised by a lack of attention to human factors? This project uses computer simulation technology to help designers evaluate both human performance and productivity criteria in their designs. Simulation not only avoids the large costs associated with retrofits and last-minute design changes, but also helps managers examine the long-term effects of their options. This is particularly helpful for managing the 'human factor', where costs associated with poor design may only emerge months or even years after a design has been implemented.

Associated Research Themes:

• Simulation and Virtual Modeling
• Design Strategy

Associated Papers and Publications:

•  (PDF file)  (PDF file) Serial-Flow Car Disassembly: Ergonomics, Productivity and Performance
•  (PDF file) Integrating Flow and Human Simulation to Predict Workload in Production
•  (PDF file) Can assembly performance and work environment be jointly optimized?
• Modelling worker fatigue and recovery in dual resource constrained systems (external link)