Workware decision support systems: A comprehensive methodological approach to work-scheduling problems

• Published in: Theoretical issues in ergonomics science Vol. 4; no. 3-4; pp. 319 - 326
• Main Author: Tepas, Donald I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01-07-2003
• Subjects: Continuous Operations; Decision Support Systems; Flexible Manufacturing; Knowledge Information Systems; Shiftwork; Usability; Work Schedules; Workware
• ISSN: 1463-922X; 1464-536X
• DOI: 10.1080/14639220210161787

Around-the-clock continuous operations are expanding as global business activity, government de-regulation, flexible manufacturing and lean operation become more common. These developments often require night work, long work hours and/or irregular work schedules. As a result of these requirements, decisions about work schedule assignments are frequently made with little knowledge, information and/or warning. Some of the resulting work-scheduling practices undoubtedly increase operation and worker exposure to health and safety risks. To counter these work-scheduling problems, a comprehensive work schedules knowledge information system is outlined. Within this model, a Workware Warehouse is proposed as an Internet gateway where decision support systems are readily and freely available. This model suggests a new paradigm for work-scheduling ergonomics, one where designing, filling and maintaining a Workware Warehouse is the primary focus of the human factors professional.