Work standardization in assembly line

Mass industrial production makes it possible to significantly increase productivity of labour and to reduce costs compared to other production systems. However, there is still room for improvement. The article analyses the production of suction tube and suction modules at Robert Bosch Co., České Budějovice and highlights new possibilities in organization of work emphasizing human potential. In the past, the operator-machine system was based on the superiority of the machine and its maximum utilization, with the operator contributing towards this end. Currently, the situation changes due to increased flexibility and the operator – and his integration in the shift - takes a lead role even if it means that the machine (assembly line) is idle for a certain time. Creation of work standards for various numbers of operators facilitates a flexible response to customer requirements offsetting the possible decline in production equipment productivity.