METHODS ENGINEERING
USING RAPID PROTOTYPE
AND VIRTUAL REALITY
TECHNIQUES
A Study by Arzi, Yohanan (1997)
Group 2
Alajas, Aliganga,
Degula, Doria, Valence
Introduction
Methodology
Key Findings & Analysis
Discussion & Conclusion
Recommendations
Q&A
PRESENTATION
FLOW
01
INTRODUCTION
Research Gap: lack of systematic framework essential for
modern technology, specifically (RP) rapid prototyping and (VR)
virtual reality
Proposal: a conceptual framework that structurally embeds RP
and VR technologies into the Methods Engineering process
The study addresses traditional Methods Engineering which relies
on charts and manual analysis.
02
METHODOLOGY
A redesign of a workstation 1. Evaluate the cashier’s workplace. 5. An alternative method is
in an Israeli supermarket is 2. Analyze results. developed using similar tools
implemented, limited 3. Identify limitations to the system. used on the previous method.
specifically to the cashier’s 4. A 3D redesigned workstation These are evaluated and
workstation. prototype is created using compared, and the best
anthropometric and option is selected. Drafts and
Objectives: biomechanical aspects to ensure process charts are developed
increase throughput that the design fits the target before the final
improved service population. implementation of the design.
lesser cashier fatigue
The systematic design process consists of the following steps:
[Link] Identification -
[Link] description of the task to be redesigned
[Link]:
[Link] throughput
[Link] service quality
[Link] cashier fatigue
[Link]-
[Link] the current cashier workstation
[Link] collected data and results
[Link] system limitations and problem areas
[Link] -
[Link] a 3D workstation prototype
[Link] anthropometric considerations and biomechanical principles
[Link] the design fits the target population
[Link] of Alternatives -
a. Create alternative workstation designs
[Link] similar evaluation tools as the initial method
[Link] different design options
[Link] and Implementation -
[Link] and compare alternatives
[Link] the best design option
[Link] drafts and process charts
[Link] implementation of the redesigned workstation
KEY FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
Rapid prototyping mainly affects the middle
and later stages of the method engineering
03
process. It is expected that the use of VR tools
in ME will improve the quality of design as well.
The analysis on the existing supermarket cashier workstation discovered a large number of defects due
to poor workplace design.
03
KEY FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
Redesigns to improve the workstation were made possible by the 3D models generated
by Jack software. The final and improved model resulted to:
03 The average service time per client decreased by about 13%.
The number of hand motions decreased by about 16%.
The standing time decreased to almost zero.
Thus, all three objectives were achieved.
The developed MTM2 program was not suitable for complex tasks.
Motion element definitions do not match those used in the Jack software.
Develop a new time-standard system using time studies and generic predetermined
motion-time systems.
DISCUSSION
Methods Engineering can be used to design better ergonomic work environments.
Helpful in deciding how to better increase the quality of a unit of work.
By simulating realistic work conditions, the authors were able to recreate multiple
work set-ups without the use of physical mock-ups .
This decreases the cost of actually building the design and saves time in setting up
the various designs.
However, this technology comes at a cost.
VR at the time of the author’s publishing was
relatively expensive to use, thus limiting the
use of VR and RP technologies to
corporations instead of the general
practitioner.
CONCLUSION
"The use of RP and VR tools in ME has just begun and a great
deal of research and development is still required. However,
despite the difficulties, the implementation of RP and VR tools
in ME will improve the quality of the task designs while
decreasing the time spent and the expenses." (Arzi)
In it’s infancy, these technologies can be
further improved to give way to more complex
simulations that will aid many more industries
that will deal with deeper problems.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Ergonomics of the mind: Using VR to study human
response to fear.
Job training/on-boarding programs.
THANK YOU