Integrating human factors into discrete event simulations of parallel flow strategies

Abstract

This article demonstrates an approach to integrating human factors (HF) into a discrete event simulation (DES) study of semi-parallelised production strategies. Operationalised HF included operators’ autonomy at work, a known workplace health factor; and reduced operator capability, a factor for new or injured operators. These HF were tested in scenarios of serial flow and two degrees of semi-parallelised flow. The parallel production systems demonstrated better productivity than serial flow in all conditions tested and were less affected by either of the HF tested. It is concluded that HF can be integrated into DES which facilitates early consideration of operator risk and system vulnerabilities. Parallel production approaches, although less common in practice, appear to have advantages over serial flow in terms of productivity, injury risk and the accommodation of operators with temporarily reduced capacity. Further research should expand the range and test the validity of HF integrated into DES modelling procedures.

Keywords:

• discrete event simulation
• production system design
• human factors
• ergonomics
• risk and performance management
• rehabilitation

Acknowledgements

This project has been conducted under financing from VINNOVA – the Swedish Agency for Innovation Systems, Project d.nr. 2002-01679, the former Swedish National Institute for Working Life, and the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC #341664).