Sociotechnical systems analysis and design for selecting and designing the optimum manufacturing process

Abstract

Given the requirement for a new manufacturing capability, there is a need to establish and implement the appropriate steps to ensure the development of a configuration that reflects the proper balance among technical, social, and environmental factors. Past experience has indicated that the technical characteristics of manufacturing plants, in general, have been emphasized, with little consideration given to social issues. This approach has been costly in terms of productivity losses, the price per product output has increased and, at the same time, outside competition has increased significantly.

The objective of this project is to select a manufacturing process that produces aluminum cans for a large market, identify some problems that have evolved as a result of the above approach, and to emphasize the importance of considering social issues in the development of a manufacturing capability. Socio-technical systems analysis methods have been introduced throughout.