Learning factory for decent work – an interdisciplinary workshop on MES for worker representatives

Abstract

This paper gives an insight into a learning factory concept on a rather abstract topic: Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) as the basic IT-infrastructure for industrial internet application. The addressed target groups are trade union representatives and works councils. The concept was developed by IG Metall (“Industrial Union of metalworkers”) and Ruhr-University Bochum (“LPS, Chair of Production Systems” and “Office of Cooperation RUB/IGM”) considering the technical as well as the sociological and didactical perspective. MES are an integral part of the operational implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies. Their implementation changes workplaces and work organization, affects issues of employment, remuneration, data privacy protection, working tasks, qualification requirements, working time, as well as safety and health protection. IG Metall and Ruhr-University Bochum developed an interdisciplinary workshop concept for works councils taking place in a close-to-reality setting of the LPS learning factory. The concept aims at showing the benefits of MES from an engineering point of view as well as enabling works councils to survey implementation processes of MES in the sense of participatory ergonomics. The workshop provides hands-on experiences and allows participants to get a holistic view on technology. Thus, they can take both chances and challenges into account. The paper sums up first experiences and conclusions.