Author(s): Roli Dave, Vivek Khanzode, Rauf Iqbal & Vikram Neekkhra
Worksystem in human factor and ergonomics comprises of ‘Human’, ‘Machine’ and ‘Work Environmental’ components, its associated subsystems, and their interactions. The purpose of worksystem design (WSD) is to addresses design issues of worksystem, Leamon’s Human-machine worksystem model is the fundamental conceptual framework to design and analyze the worksystem. ER-14786:2002 to an extent had updated Leamon’s model, with thrust on factors affecting machine, environment, and human dimensions of work systems. With technological advancement and increasing automation, the worksystems are undergoing major transition, and becoming more and more complex. The dimension of human, machine and environmental component in the worksystem is also undergoing change in the process. The current conceptual human-machine worksystem frameworks stands true for linear systems, but are inadequate to explain automated complex worksystem. This study examines the transition in components of existing worksystem and its connotations.’ It delineates the need to update Lemon’s worksystem model, in the light of increasing transition towards automation.