Some Implications of Human Aspects of Cell Manufacture

Abstract

Group Technology as a manufacturing system technique has been used inthe United Kingdom for the past ten to fifteen years. Initially it was installed as an alternative manufacturing technique to functional layout in batch type production. Economic advantages were obtained often being quantified by such factors as reduced work in process, reduced throughput time. The need for reliability of resources in G.T. systems made management more aware of the need to consider the most important resource - the human operator, and this led often to a completely new management structure, more importance being made of the system aspect of G.T. rather than a manufacturing principle. In spite of these proven advantages why is the incidence of G.T. application in industry only very small? This Thesis examines existing situations in an attempt to answer the above question. In so doing it highlights the need for good human relations recognising that G.T. cuts right across traditional attitudes to work and the skill content of jobs. The natural reluctance to change a system and the associated fears of redundancy are discussed and a procedure for implementation suggested which, if followed, will minimise the human resentment that can occur when a system or way of working is changed.