Examining human factors and ergonomics aspects in a manufacturing organisation's metrics system: measuring up to stakeholder needs.

This research examines the status of human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) metrics in the case context of product realization in an electronics manufacturing company. Interactions with 100+ stakeholders over a five year period were thematically analyzed for metrics-related views and content. A disconnect between engineering metrics and HF/E metrics was evident. Engineers and HF/E specialists expressed different understandings of the gap between the disciplines and how to generate HF/E metrics that would fit the organisation. Other emerging themes provided insight for metrics development including: improving indicator relatability, considerations for communication of information, and barriers to implementation of metrics. The results led to seven recommendations to help guide practitioners in developing and refining HF/E metrics as part of an organisation's metrics system. This macroergonomic case study provides key points for consideration when developing HF/E focussed metrics to support organisations being more proactive with HF/E in work system design.