A study on the socio-technical aspects of digitization technologies for future integrated engineering work systems
DS 91: Proceedings of NordDesign 2018, Linköping, Sweden, 14th - 17th August 2018
Year: 2018
Editor: Ekströmer, Philip; Schütte, Simon and Ölvander, Johan
Author: Tafvizi Zavareh, Mona; Sadaune, Stephanie; Siedler, Carina; Aurich, Jan C.; Zink, Klaus J.; Eigner, Martin
Series: NordDESIGN
Institution: TU Kaiserslautern
ISBN: 978-91-7685-185-2
Abstract
There is a wide demand for digitization technologies among production industries initiated by new developments in industrial internet, IoT (Internet of Things) and IoS (Internet of Services). However, companies have a difficult choice due to high variety, wide spectrum and not clearly known potentials of these technologies. Additionally, new uprising discussions on ergonomic effects of digitization and the role of humans in interaction with technology are aspects that gain increased importance. Therefore, they should be regarded in early phases of decision-making processes to ensure a sustainable digital transformation. Furthermore, individual characteristics and requirements of transforming companies, e.g. existing technologies, work systems and organizational demands, are crucial for selection, configuration, launch and usage of new technologies. To consider all these issues before installing new technologies and processes, an innovative ‘Technology Map’ was developed. It serves as an assessment instrument that supports companies finding the optimal solutions for their individual requirements based on a socio-technical approach. This article aims to provide a scientific framework for developing digitized integrated work systems specially in engineering using the socio-technical approach. For this purpose, the effects of digitization on engineering work are addressed. Model Based Engineering approaches supported with Systems Engineering fundaments are considered as capable solutions for developing multidisciplinary digitized products and improving engineering work processes. In this paper, Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) as an emerging product development technology is investigated and assessed according to identified criteria in the Technology Map.
Keywords: engineering, digitization, technology map, work system, product development, MBSE, socio-technical system, cybertronic systems, design of cyber-physical systems, product lifecycle, technology assessment, transformation process, digital design