Blackwell Reference Online

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The “technocentric” tendencies of computer‐integrated manufacturing (CIM) generated a reaction that sought to embrace a greater degree of “human centeredness.” The concept of a human‐centric (or anthropocentric) approach to CIM was formulated by Hower Rosenbrock in the early 1980s. In general, a human‐centered technology is one which extends human skill and its application to real‐life situations. Technologies should be designed so as to optimize the synergy between human skill and computer power. Work within a factory should be organized in such a way that in all areas employees are able to apply a substantial range of their skills rather than just a small, “useful” part. Individual skill and competence should be increased through a balanced combination of learning by doing and formal training and education. The proposed benefits for a human‐centered system include: greater utilization of design and manufacturing skills; greater flexibility derived from an enhanced range of operator responsibilities (e.g., production work as well as quality‐ and planning‐related duties), and improved quality as each employee develops a general knowledge of the whole production process and is given the freedom and opportunity to comment on any aspect of it. See also computer‐integrated manufacturing ( 1997 ). What role for humans in computer integrated manufacturing? International Journal ... log in or subscribe to read full text