Improving Supply Chain Human-Machine Systems by the Analysis of Departmental-Level User Characteristics

In this study, the authors aimed to enhance supply chain efficiency at Company A, a key player in China's manufacturing sector, by focusing on user-centric system design. The approach involved analyzing departmental-level user characteristics to inform the development of an optimized human-machine interface. To achieve this, they conducted focus groups and card sorting exercises, identifying specific user needs across departments like planning, purchasing, receiving, warehousing, production, and quality control. The application of these insights into system design led to significant operational improvements. Notably, time savings were observed in departments such as receiving (74.44%) and quality control (41.86%). This tailored approach underscored the importance of understanding and integrating user characteristics in supply chain systems, leading to enhanced productivity and a competitive edge. The study demonstrates the impact of user-focused system design in improving both efficiency and user satisfaction in supply chain management.