ErgoVSM: A Tool for Integrating Value Stream Mapping and Ergonomics in Manufacturing

Caroline Jarebrant, Jørgen Winkel, Jan Johansson Hanse, Svend Erik Mathiassen, Birgitta Öjmertz

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    Value stream mapping (VSM) is a lean tool aiming at waste reduction. Previous research suggests that the use of VSM may result in work intensification and thus an increased risk for the workers of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). In the current study, VSM was developed to also consider physical exposure in the analyzed production system (ErgoVSM). As the VSM, ErgoVSM is based on a participatory approach. ErgoVSM was tested in a Swedish manufacturing company. The results suggest that ErgoVSM catalyzes change processes to include intervention proposals emphasizing ergonomics in addition to waste reduction. Thus, ErgoVSM appeared useful for the investigated target group of production engineers and experienced operators. The performance improvements suggested when using the ordinary VSM seemed not to be hampered by adding the ergonomics complement. However, the use of ErgoVSMwas somewhat more time consuming than the use of VSM. In conclusion, ErgoVSM is suggested as a feasible tool to be used by production engineers and experienced operators for including ergonomics considerations in the rationalization process. © 2015Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalHuman Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing and Service Industries
    Volume26
    Issue number2
    Pages (from-to)191–204
    Number of pages14
    ISSN1090-8471
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2016

    Keywords

    • Rationalization
    • Lean production
    • Musculoskeletal disorders
    • Participatory ergonomics
    • Organizational sustainability

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