A Work System is a system in which human participants and/or machines perform work (processes and activities) using materials, energy, and information integrated with technology resources to efficiently and effectively produce products and provide services for internal or external customers. The objective is to create and measure performance of a standardized work environment that maximizes worker satisfaction while creating value for stakeholders. In this work systems, time is the critical currency.
Work Systems Design involves the decomposition, definition, integration, recombination, and verification of human-machine systems, including the work methods, equipment, technology and work environments required to execute productive activities within an enterprise. Critical to the process is ensuring of the functions of a human resource(s) and machines are properly integrated into a fair day’s work.
Work System Measurement covers the tools and techniques used to evaluate the output rates of a system including the time for average, well trained workers to carry out specified tasks given defined levels of performance defined work settings, as well as other productivity measures. Collecting and analyzing data can range from Stopwatches and Spreadsheets to more passive Big Data systems.
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