A framework for designing work systems in industry 4.0

Abstract

The introduction of new digital technologies in industrial work systems and increasing implementation of Cyber Physical Systems are evoking new and unknown challenges and opportunities related to aspects of human work and organisation. To ensure human wellbeing and overall system productivity, there is a need for interdisciplinary methods and approaches for dealing with the challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities. In this paper, we present a conceptual framework for designing Industry 4.0 enabled work systems, which serves to accommodate this need. The framework combines elements and principles of Design- and Lean thinking methodologies and Human Factors and Ergonomics, thus making it a practical, systematic, and iterative, human centred approach. We use examples from a retrospective industrial case study to illustrate elements of the framework and provide several implications for practitioners.