SELF-GOVERNING PRODUCTION GROUPS: TOWARDS REQUIREMENTS FOR IT SUPPORT

Many manufacturing enterprises are introducing various forms of flexible work organizations on the shop floor. However, existing computer-based production planning and control systems pose serious obstacles for self-governing groups and other kinds of shop floor control to become reality. In order to understand and overcome these obstacles we have undertaken a series of six field studies in manufacturing companies. Based on our findings from these studies — and inspired by the research field of Computer Supported Cooperative Work — we present a first set of requirements and principles for IT-based systems for self-governing production groups. The intention is to support responsible workers in their situated planning, control and coordination of shop floor activities. 1