DESIGN CONCEPTS OF COMPUTER-AIDED INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS - WORK-PSYCHOLOGICAL CONCEPTS AND EMPIRICAL-FINDINGS

The research project ''GRIPS'' is investigating the design of computer -aided integrated manufacturing systems from a work psychological pers pective. The goal is to develop and empirically support adequate desig n concepts. The project consists of three phases. Evidence from a broa d questionnaire survey indicates that most CIM implementations fail to meet the expectations associated therewith. Based on the assumption t hat only the joint optimization of social and technical system results in humane working conditions and economic efficiency, implementation and use of CIM systems has been investigated in 60 companies in Switze rland. The conceptual framework distinguishes technically-oriented and work-oriented design concepts on four levels: the enterprise, the org anizational unit, the group and the individual. Work-oriented manufact uring systems - as opposed to technically-oriented ones - are characte rized by decentralization, functional integration, work in self-regula ted groups and complete and challenging tasks. The findings support th e hypothesis that work-oriented design concepts are related to higher efficiency and better achievement of goals pursued with the use of new technologies. In the third phase 12 companies have been selected for detailed case studies: The companies are comparable concerning product range and manufacturing conditions but different on the level of work -orientation. Relevance to industry The goal of the GRIPS project is t o investigate the implementation and use of CIM-systems, systematize t he related design concepts and relate these to efficiency of computer- aided production. The goal is to provide support for companies dealing with new technologies and to provide advice concerning efficient prod uction design concepts.