Workstation Design Optimization Through a Simulation Model

Abstract

A man-machine systems simulation model was developed as a cost-effective marketing tool for systems design in the retail sales environment. SAINT (Systems Analysis Integrated Network of Tasks) modeling technique was chosen because of its capabilities to simulate complex human engineering system performances. Tasks performed at the workstations ranged from an automated real-time inventory control device requiring a high degree of man-machine interactivity to social interactions between the operator and customer. Network parameters were defined from performances observed both in laboratory and field tests. The model included the capability to mix and simulate multiple workstations within a given environment. Work surface dimensions, operator ability levels, and processing strategies were manipulated to maximize productivity. This approach to workstation design proved to be an effective method of systematically reducing the number of alternative configurations. It also reduces the requirement of elaborate time-consuming laboratory experiments to verify a proposed design concept. A conversational interface was developed to encourage its utilization by the untrained user.

Integrated versus Modular Point of sale Terminal Design: A productivity analysis

“…Tasks performed by customers and checkers during the processing of a retail transaction can be divided into four categories: (1) Queuing; (2) Itemization; (3) Finalization; and (4) Auxiliary Tasks (Hoffman & Cramer, 1981). Queuing represents the amount of time customers spend in line waiting to be serviced.…”