Human considerations of AGV utilisation in multi-product batch manufacture

The use of AGV's in batch manufacturing requires extensive changes to the job design of employees, to individual areas of responsibility and to the organisational structure. Due to the importance of the man/machine interfaces, co-operation of employees is essential, and any erroneous attitude by senior management, who might aim at investment justification by labour replacement will cause industrial relations problems. Without co-operation, AGV investment will not attain the desired benefits and may become a bad investment. In addition, senior management need to realise the extent of changes required in the factory and other departments in the company.<
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