Development of fuzzy based ergonomic-value stream mapping (E-VSM) tool: a case study in Indian glass artware industry

Abstract

In a competitive working environment, conscious workers and stringent labour regulations have forced Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to focus on operational performance along with workers' performance and their health issues. Evidence from literature uncovered that lean implementation in the manufacturing industry worsens the workers' health and safety due to the lack of consideration of social aspects. This ignorance has forced SMEs to focus on considering social aspects along with economic and environmental aspects for improving their workers' health and safety. Therefore, this study aims to develop a tool that integrates lean and ergonomics to improve the workers' health and safety, along with operational performance. Hence, Human Factors and Ergonomic (HFE) indicators were incorporated into the VSM tool under a fuzzy environment. The Fuzzy-based Ergonomic-Value Stream Mapping (E-VSM) tool identifies the area of scope for ergonomic and managerial interventions at the workplace and evaluates the HFE indicators with lean indicators. This integrated tool helps management to improve the Workers’ health and safety and enhance operational performance synergistically.