Structured time observation of human modelling tool users' activites.

Paper in proceeding, 2006

Most statements regarding human modeling tools efficiency are based on perceived time. No structured time observation of task activities performed by a simulation engineers working with the tools are previous performed. The aim of the study is to identify digital human modelling tool users’ activates and measure the time distribution of the activities. Furthermore, measured time distribution is compared with users perceived time distribution. Five simulation engineers at Volvo were observed for five days each. The simulation engineers’ activities can be categorised in twelve groups. The direct value added work and the indirect value added work important for a new introduced tool were of similar size as direct value added work for a vehicle disassembly worker. Waiting time, there simulation is out of control e.g. waiting for information from colleague and computer processor, was perceived much longer compared to measured time.The human modelling tool seems to have matured and most of the activities identified seems to be necessary to perform human modelling simulations of high quality; however the time distribution could to some extend be questioned. There are a lot of activities associated with communication, i.e. different kinds of contacts and meetings. Therefore it appears to be a potential to increase efficiency with respect to communication.