Effects of macroergonomic compatibility of information and communication technologies on the performance of manufacturing systems

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have different effects depending on the companies that rely on them. On manufacturing systems, the effective use of ICTs requires a compatible design with the human, technology, and environment. This article analyses the effect of macroergonomic compatibility of ICTs as independent variable on dependent variables of production processes, clients, and organisational performance of manufacturing systems in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. In addition, this paper examines the relationships between these dependent variables. Methodology includes the construction of a questionnaire, administered to middle and senior managers of manufacturing companies to collect information on the macroergonomic practices of ICTs. Also, a factor analysis is carried out to data gathered, and hypotheses are proposed to suggest the effects of ICTs on dependent variables. Afterwards, a structural equations model is constructed and evaluated to test such hypotheses. Results obtained indicate that ICTs are an ideal element to measure macroergonomic compatibility of manufacturing systems, and that this compatibility has positive direct effects on production processes and clients, while significant indirect and total effects on the organisational performance of manufacturing systems. Results also showed that dependent variables clients and production processes had a significant impact on the performance of manufacturing systems.