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Framework of Standardized Workstations for a Mixed-model Assembly Line : Material Presentation and Work Activities from a Time Efficient and Ergonomic Perspective

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to propose a framework for standardized workstations with focus on operators work activities and material presentation on a mixed-model assembly line. In order to fulfill the purpose, it was decomposed into three research questions: Research question 1: What problems in existing manual workstations can be identified, regarding work activities and material presentation? Research question 2: What can be considered regarding operators' work activities in creation of standardized workstations for a mixed-model assembly line? Research question 3: What can facilitate the work performance and ergonomics of operators when designing material presentation for standardized workstations for a mixed-model assembly line? Methodology – This study was carried out inductively through analysis of empirical data from a case study against existing theories from a literature study. Theories were in the areas of mixed-model assembly line, workstation design, material presentation, work activities, ergonomics and human aspect, and standardization and flexibility. To gather empirical data, a document study, observations and interviews were conducted at one case company. Findings – The study resulted in a framework for work activities and material presentation in standardized workstations on a mixed-model assembly line within the perspectives of ergonomics, standardization and non-value-added work. Results indicated on decreased efficiency if the involvement of human factor and standardization were insufficient in the workstation design, by increased non-value- added work and decreased ergonomics. Implications – The proposed framework intended to support companies to merge assembly lines into a mixed-model assembly line with low automation. Limitations – The framework in this study only focused on workstations' workactivities and material presentation. Workstations are linked to more than these two areas therefore should more areas be included in merging assembly lines. This framework had the perspectives of ergonomics, standardization and non-value-added work, more perspectives should be considered in a merger.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:hj-41389
Date January 2018
CreatorsTrauntschnig, Joakim, Lind, Julia
PublisherTekniska Högskolan, Högskolan i Jönköping, JTH, Industriell organisation och produktion, Tekniska Högskolan, Högskolan i Jönköping, JTH, Industriell organisation och produktion
Source SetsDiVA Archive at Upsalla University
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeStudent thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text
Formatapplication/pdf
Rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

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