Performance improvement analysis of a supermarket checkstand

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of computer simulation for performance improvement analysis for a large‐scale ergonomic intervention and redesign project of a supermarket checkstand. Owing to its relatively complex operating logic, coupled with myriad physical characteristics of grocery items and variable buying patterns, conventional methods of analysis are impractical.Design/methodology/approach – The probability distributions of activity time elements and system characteristics are determined from video analysis of the checkstand operation. A SLAM II model represented the functional logic and random samplings from probability distributions simulated effects of variable grocery characteristics and buying patterns. The utilization indices obtained from the model facilitated prioritizing design improvements. The proposed design changes of the checkstand are implemented in the model by applying scaling factors estimated from the predetermined time standards.Findings – The mean pe...