Geometry assurance versus assembly ergonomics- Comparative interview studies in five manufacturing companies

Paper in proceeding, 2012

The objective in this study was to explore how assembly ergonomics and geometry assurance issues were regarded by manufacturing companies. Therefore, 85 persons in total of which 21 was geometry engineers in five manufacturing companies were interviewed. Their answers show good awareness of the implications of poor assembly ergonomics but this does not always reflect the system solutions created. Further ergonomic requirements cannot contend with geometrical requirements, geometry has priority over ergonomics when they are in conflict. The improvement focus should be in the early development phases, mainly through the use of better virtual tools including calculation of quality costs, by training, new cross functional working procedures and through lessons learned.