scholarly journals Lean Manufacturing and Ergonomics Integration: Defining Productivity and Wellbeing Indicators in a Human–Robot Workstation

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1931
Author(s):  
Ana Colim ◽  
Rita Morgado ◽  
Paula Carneiro ◽  
Nélson Costa ◽  
Carlos Faria ◽  
...  

Lean Manufacturing (LM), Ergonomics and Human Factors (E&HF), and Human–Robot Collaboration (HRC) are vibrant topics for researchers and companies. Among other emergent technologies, collaborative robotics is an innovative solution to reduce ergonomic concerns and improve manufacturing productivity. However, there is a lack of studies providing empirical evidence about the implementation of these technologies, with little or no consideration for E&HF. This study analyzes an industrial implementation of a collaborative robotic workstation for assembly tasks performed by workers with musculoskeletal complaints through a synergistic integration of E&HF and LM principles. We assessed the workstation before and after the implementation of robotic technology and measured different key performance indicators (e.g., production rate) through a time study and direct observation. We considered 40 postures adopted during the assembly tasks and applied three assessment methods: Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, Revised Strain Index, and Key Indicator Method. Furthermore, we conducted a questionnaire to collect more indicators of workers’ wellbeing. This multi-method approach demonstrated that the hybrid workstation achieved: (i) a reduction of production times; (ii) an improvement of ergonomic conditions; and (iii) an enhancement of workers’ wellbeing. This ergonomic lean study based on human-centered principles proved to be a valid and efficient method to implement and assess collaborative workstations, foreseeing the continuous improvement of the involved processes.

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Hojong Kang

Although Korea has achieved striking economic success during last four decades, following the 1997-98 foreign exchange crisis, Korea's economy was in urgent need of restructuring amid a series of corporate bankruptcies and a paralyzing credit crunch. In this paper using an unpublished plant-level panel data set, I explore changes in total factor productivity and its growth before and after the crisis. In order to do so, I sort out eight industries that were most likely affected by the "Big Deal Program". The results suggest the Big Deal had a positive and significant effect on TFP levels. Bigger plants in Big Deal industries had differentially higher TFP levels However, these results are not robust to the bigger plants classified as being in the top 5% in terms of K/L ratio. Unlike the results for TFP levels, coefficient for the three variable interaction term ( DiTt[arrow][tau] Spt ) are all positive and significant with the plant-size specification. It means the bigger plants in eight Big Deal industries have more productivity growth even though they have lower TFP levels than the smaller plants after the reform. Depending on the plant-size specifications, the Big Deal program had a positive effect on the bigger plants in the Big Deal industries of 0.1 to 1.39 percents.


Author(s):  
Petr Karnakov ◽  
Georgios Arampatzis ◽  
Ivica Kičić ◽  
Fabian Wermelinger ◽  
Daniel Wälchli ◽  
...  

The reproduction number (R0) is broadly considered as a key indicator for the spreading of the COVID-19 pandemic. The estimation of its value with respect to the key threshold of 1.0 is a measure of the need, and eventually effectiveness, of interventions imposed in various countries. Here we present an online tool for the data driven inference and quantification of uncertainties for R0 as well as the time points of interventions for 51 European countries. The study relies on the Bayesian calibration of the simple and well established SIR model with data from reported daily infections. The model is able to fit the data for most countries without individual tuning of parameters. We deploy an open source Bayesian inference framework and efficient sampling algorithms to present a publicly available GUI (https://www.cse-lab.ethz.ch/coronavirus/) that allows the user to assess custom data and compare predictions for pairs of European countries. The results provide a ranking based on the rate of the disease's spread suggesting a metric for the effectiveness of social distancing measures. They also serve to demonstrate how geographic proximity and related times of interventions can lead to similarities in the progression of the epidemic.


2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 184-192
Author(s):  
Yassine Bouazza ◽  
Azza Lajjam ◽  
Btissam Dkhissi

Abstract Due to an increase in energy price and pollution plus environmental regulations, companies start to adopt green policies. In fact, companies are encouraged by governments to develop strategies to achieve more sustainable operations. Based on this literature review the contribution of Lean Manufacturing on environmental performances will be discussed, a survey of 50 different automotive companies based in Morocco, shows how they are carrying out manufacturing and environmental practices. The result of this study shows a positive impact of advanced Lean Manufacturing’s tools on the environmental performance and contribute to the present literature on environmentally friendly Manufacturing. The findings and proposals of this paper can be a beginning step for Moroccan companies to completely use their capability of environmental practices and improve their manufacturing productivity performance while identifying trends in organizational development.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Muflichatu Nur Fita ◽  
Budi Jatmiko ◽  
Elok Sudibyo

The purpose of this research was to see how effective the Problem Based Learning (PBL) based Socioscientific Issues (SSI) is at improving critical thinking skills. The sample used was grade seven in SMPN 4 Lamongan with 2 classes and each class contains 15 students. The design of the learning materials trial used  One-Group pre-test post-test design. Tests of critical thinking skills and student answer sheets were used to collect data. Techniques of data analysis used N-gain, paired t-test, and independent t-test. The result of this research is as follows: The effectiveness in terms of the critical thinking skills test the category increase is high, there is a significant difference between the test before and after learning with PBL based SSI and there is no difference N-gain in the two group classes and students' responses are classified as very good. Based on data analysis, it can be concluded that PBL with SSI is effective to improve critical thinking skills. The implications of this study are PBL-based SSI has the potential to be an innovative solution and alternative for improving critical thinking skills.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruirui Wang ◽  
Wei Shi ◽  
Xingwang Chen

Abstract Geographic information system (GIS) is widely used to solve the problems about spatial decision making and strategy planning. However, the potential application in maritime search and rescue (SAR) strategic planning still needs to be opened up. With the theory of accessibility, a new evaluating model of maritime SAR ability was proposed to assess the efficacy of the SAR unit serving a certain sea area by using a key indicator named virtual probability circle (VPC) which stand for the extent of how difficult or how long the SAR vessels reaching the accidental site. In this article, an application to the South China Sea area is shown. Comparing with the SAR abilities before and after new bases settled, the results indicate that the model provides good opportunities for improving maritime management.


2011 ◽  
Vol 110-116 ◽  
pp. 2062-2066 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paramdeep Singh ◽  
Harpuneet Singh

Lean manufacturing has been proved to be an effective management philosophy for improving businesses in a competitive market by eliminating non-value added waste and improving in process operations. Value stream mapping is an important tool used to identify the opportunities for various lean techniques. The present research mainly focuses on the description of a model that is developed to contrast the “before” and “after” scenarios in detail in order to obtain the various benefits such as reduced production lead time, lower work in process inventory [1] and proper utilisation of the workforce. The current manufacturing system has been compared with the proposed pull (Kanban) system which shows the benefits of the proposed lean manufacturing system over the existing traditional manufacturing system. The present research work has been carried out at typical tractor industry which shows 50.5% reduction in total lead time in the future state value mapping of the crank case and the number of operators involved in processing of crank case has also been reduced from 22 to 18.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Valerie Smith ◽  
Margarita Corry ◽  
Declan Devane ◽  
Shaun Treweek ◽  
Andrew Hunter ◽  
...  

Background: Family members, or others, often assume the role of informal (unpaid) carers of people with chronic illnesses. Care-giving, however, can impact profoundly on the quality of life of carers and can cause carer worry, stress and guilt. Implementing interventions that positively affect the lives of carers is important; however, carers as a group are often difficult to reach. We embedded a study within a pilot-feasibility trial of a mindfulness based intervention to determine and prioritise the key motivators and challenges influencing informal carers’ decisions for participating in a trial. Methods: We used a multi-method approach involving interviews with participants from a ‘host trial’ and data from systematic reviews to develop a survey that was distributed to informal carers in Ireland. The survey consisted of 28 motivator and 17 challenge statements. Participants rated how important they thought each statement was when deciding to take part in a trial on a 5-point Likert Scale. Mean scores and standard deviations were calculated for each statement and arranged in descending order to provide the priority lists. Results: Thirty-six carers responded to the survey. Helping to create awareness about carers was the top ranked motivator, followed by four study design statements related to the time at which the study occurs, the study location, format of delivery and venue. The least important motivator related to how carers were invited to take part in a study. Difficulties in planning due to the caring role emerged as the most important challenge, followed by being unable to leave the care recipient on his/her own. Conclusions: Insight into decision-making for research participation will assist trial developers tailor trial processes for informal carer populations. We recommend that trialists should consider these motivators and challenges when designing future trials involving informal carers so as to enhance trial feasibility and success.


Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andria L Ford ◽  
Jennifer A Williams ◽  
Brian Hoff ◽  
David Curfman ◽  
Rebecca Wiesehan ◽  
...  

Background: Ultra-early thrombolysis [onset-to-treatment time (OTT) < 90 min], leads to better clinical outcomes. We utilized lean manufacturing principles to re-choreograph patient flow such that tPA was delivered in the CT scanner rather than moving the patient to a separate treatment room. We tested the efficiency and safety of a “Treat-in-CT” protocol comparing metrics and outcomes before and after implementation. Methods: In July 2014, a LEAN rapid improvement event was conducted to design a “Treat-in-CT” stroke protocol. Several changes included: (1) Vital signs monitors and point of care glucose and INR were placed near the scanner. (2) Computer monitors were placed in the scanner to allow for rapid charting and order entry. (3) Local EMS crews, physicians, nursing staff, and CT technicians were trained on parallel work-flow in the scanner. The “Treat-in-CT” protocol went live 10/1/2014. We directly compared the “Pre” and “Post” Treat-in-CT epochs (1/2013-9/2014 and 10/2014-8/2015, respectively) with regard to baseline variables, metrics, and outcomes. Non-parametric statistics were used with p<0.05 required for significance. Results: In the Pre- and Post-Treat-in-CT epochs, 139 and 74 patients were treated with IV tPA, respectively. Baseline variables were similar between the two epochs. Median door-to-needle time was lower in the Post-Treat-in-CT epoch: 38 min pre vs. 29 min post (p=0.002) with a trend towards lower OTT: 131 min pre vs. 100 min post (p=0.07). To ensure that efficiency did not impact safety, favorable discharge location (87% pre vs. 81% post, p=0.3), symptomatic hemorrhage rate (2.9% pre vs. 1.5% post, p=1.0), stroke mimic rate, and 90 day mRS were compared and did not differ. Conclusions: The AHA Target: Stroke-Phase II guidelines recommend administration of tPA bolus while in the CT scanner. A “Treat-in-CT” acute stroke protocol using efficient choreography and parallel processing expedited tPA delivery without compromising safety.


Author(s):  
Mohd Adzrie ◽  
◽  
T. Vincent ◽  

This study aims to assess the 5S approach strategy for SME. 5S in simple terms is a Japanese technique consisting of five ‘S’ terms namely Seiri (sorting), Seiton (set in order), Seiso (shine), Seiketsu (standardize) and Shitsuke (sustain) which is always applied to manage the workplace. In this research, a case study will be steered at the packaging section of Fatt Choi Sdn Bhd Company located in Sabah, Malaysia to gather data for analysis. This paper targets the wastes observed in the packaging section of Fatt Choi Company and systematic elimination of them through 5 stages of 5S. Low space utilization, presence of unnecessary items, lack of proper cleaning schedule, obsolete work rules are the major wastes observed in the workplace. Through the implementation of various steps of 5S, the targeted wastes are eliminated, and better space utilization is achieved. The objectives of this paper are to assess the level of understanding for workers to encounter and adapting 5S systems which would enhance their performance, to evaluate the acceptance rate for employees to implement 5S in their work area as well as to relate the effectiveness of the 5S system in improving the worker performance and reducing unwanted waste in the industry. The researcher is able to assist with the implementation of 5S practices in the SMEs which could benefit their organization from the 5S systems, as well as the problem faced in implementation, factors of implementation and benefits experienced after the adoption of 5S lean manufacturing tools were being identified and evaluated. The results reveal that before the implementation of 5S, the survey scores varies from very poor to satisfactory( scoring from 1-3) related to the level of understanding for workers to encounter and adapting 5S systems, the acceptance rate for employees to implement 5S in their work area as well as the effectiveness of the 5S system in improving the worker performance and reducing unwanted waste in the industry but after the implementation of 5S the scores had changed from good to very good (scoring from 3-5). Survey results show a clear change can be seen before and after the implementation of 5S. The result gets positive result from the survey done by the employees after the implementation of 5S in their working area. Employees are more contented with their work environment after the implementation of 5S. This is due to the cleanliness of their workplace is maintained every day, all items and tools are adequately arranged, and they can finish their work without any delay resulting from time waste searching for tools.


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