Process mapping as a tool for participative integration of human factors into work system design

In this study, we develop and evaluate a method for applying business process mapping to document the production system design process (PSDP) within an electronics manufacturer. We then test the ability of the map to facilitate identification of opportunities to integrate human factors (HF) proactively into the company's PSDP. Stakeholders (n = 31) from various departments were involved in recorded interviews and workshops (109 hours over 20 months) at three stages: map creation, map application, and evaluation of the mapping process. Map application resulted in stakeholders identifying 13 opportunities to integrate proactive human factors into specifically mapped points of the PSDP. The map allowed participants to see the flow of activities and information from a higher level. Methodological issues to resolve in undertaking a PSDP include definition of scope and level of mapping detail, content errors, missing information, and map overlap. [Received 6 April 2012; Revised 25 February 2013; Revised 12 June 2013; Accepted 28 July 2013]