Productivity enhancement in engine bearings manufacturing industry through integrated work system and job design the ergonomic perspective

Abstract

For long, the Indian industry remained protected from any international competition. The organizations were quite satisfied continuing with the old technology and working practices which were not very efficient. With the advent of globalization and liberalization and the whole world turning into a free market, many multinational companies entered the Indian market. These companies not only introduced advanced technology but also brought in world-class work practices and healthy work culture. The traditional Indian companies setup before liberalization have been left with no choice either improve or perish. This has brought in a very welcome change. It is transforming the industry into more efficient and productive units. Higher levels of productivity, however, demand the employees to be in good physical and mental health, the working environment to be conducive to putting in hard and productive work, the work place design to be of the kind which helps in optimizing the output with minimum effort and fatigue. The subject of ergonomics has thus assumed a very important role in enhancing employee morale, his health, safety and productivity. Cut throat competition, advanced technology and newer techniques and methods of work has increased pressure in the workplace. The whole work culture is undergoing a transformation. Now almost every one in the organization is handling not a single job but a multitude of jobs. In addition, large product mix handled in any organization has also added to the variety of jobs being done by individuals. All this demands adapting to the new skills, techniques, technology and ways of work. It also demands planning, control and accomplishment of tasks in smaller lead times, lower costs, better quality and customer satisfaction. This transformation from traditional to highly demanding and taxing working dictates that there be a parallel change in the ergonomic requirements.