Technical support for experience‐based work: A new development perspective for cnc machine tools

Abstract

Over the last years we have witnessed the growing gap between more and more sophisticated production technologies and the new trend towards “anthropocentric production systems” (Rosenbrock, 1989). The following article fits into the discussion between these two orientations: on the one hand artificial intelligence and therefore automation (Bainbridge, 1987), and on the other hand human‐centered technology. This human‐centered technology (Brödner and Karwowski, 1992) applies new methods. One domain of its application is the CNC technology with which this article deals.

Information systems support for CNC machinists: Evaluating the impact of information technology at the shop floor

“…Taylor states, "It might seem that the (CNC) operator would need to be skilled in work-holding methods and nothing else." Nevertheless, Böhle, Carus, and Schulze (1994) confirm that skilled CNC machinists must possess a practical ability to complement specialized know-how and theoretical knowledge. A component of this is tacit or experiential knowledge.…”

“…This is attributed to information being a supplementary form of support. CNC machinists typically refer to tacit experiential knowledge before reverting to information, if necessary (Böhle et al, 1994;Kasvi et al, 1996). Hence, the type of media used to present task support information does not impact the overall performance of processes in current CNC manufacturing environments.…”

“…Based on the evidence presented, it is, however, arguable that neither paper-based nor electronic information is a CNC machinist's primary source of reference. Instead, tacit or experiential knowledge is what a machinist refers to first (Böhle et al, 1994;Hazlehurst, Bradbury, & Corlett, 1969;Kasvi et al, 1996;Taylor, 1978;Tuominen et al, 1989). Information is merely a supplementary form of support when the machinist cannot recall detail (Kasvi et al, 1996).…”