Work System Design (WSD)
The WSD laboratory course provides practical training in methods for analysing and designing economically efficient and ergonomic work systems, using a gearbox assembly as a concrete example.
Objectives and Content
The aim of the laboratory course is to provide students with fundamental knowledge of work system design. The specific subject of the laboratory exercise is the design of a production system for the assembly of two-stage gearboxes. For this purpose, selected steps of the assembly process are analysed and optimized with regard to motion economy. Predetermined motion time systems, specifically MTM-1, are used as a supporting method. In the next step, students assess the economic efficiency of the system and compare their workplace with a standard system. Finally, they align the work content of their work system with the upstream and downstream value stream. The laboratory course is conducted in small groups of up to five students at the IPS IE Training Centre.
Core topics
- Analyse and design workplaces using MTM methods
- Apply common methods of investment appraisal and work system valuation, evaluate different workplace alternatives, and make a reasoned decision in favour of one alternative
- Perform capacity balancing for a work system comprising multiple workplaces
- Select and describe a suitable material supply strategy for a specific work system
- Demonstrate experience in teamwork, project organization, and project scheduling
- Apply theoretical knowledge of the design of sociotechnical work systems to assembly workplaces in practice
Relevance and Motivation
High-performance work systems are a key competitive factor for manufacturing companies. Particularly in assembly, workplace design, work methods, and the coordination of individual stations have a direct impact on productivity and economic efficiency. In the laboratory course, students work on a practical planning task involving the assembly of two-stage gearboxes. They analyse and design workplaces using MTM, evaluate different workplace alternatives in terms of economic efficiency and work system value, and balance the work content across several workstations. In addition, they develop a preliminary layout and a suitable material supply concept. The laboratory course thus provides key competencies in work system design.
Course Details
- Schedule: Winter semester
- Format: Throughout the semester
- Assessment: Laboratory colloquium (30-minute presentation of the group results followed by an oral examination on the course content)
