Title: Study on the training of machine operators in the consumer goods industry

Authors: Paul Weber; Franziska Bellinger; Lukas Oehm

Addresses: Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, Heidelberger Straße 20, 01189 Dresden, Germany ' Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, Heidelberger Straße 20, 01189 Dresden, Germany ' Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, Heidelberger Straße 20, 01189 Dresden, Germany

Abstract: Increasing complexity of production machines of consumer goods increase their vulnerability to faults, making fault diagnosis a task in the daily work of a machine operator. Studies show a gap between the demanding tasks and the ability of operators in flexible problem solving, emphasising the need to ensure training. However, there is limited insight about training in this industry. Therefore, an exploratory survey was conducted. Participants representing machine manufacturers and producers answered questions about the scope and content of current training as well as its evaluation and needs. Results were analysed descriptively and revealed that most producers provide training which take place during the introduction of new employees or machines and mainly cover safety and routine activities. Half of the participants indicated that current training opportunities do not meet actual needs. Therefore, research should focus on developing concepts assisting producers and machine manufacturers in implementing training for deeper process understanding.

Keywords: training; education; complex problem solving; fault diagnosis; machine operators; processing and packaging machines; fast-moving consumer goods; food industries.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2023.130535

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2023 Vol.10 No.2, pp.113 - 143

Received: 01 Jul 2022
Accepted: 21 Nov 2022
Published online: 26 Apr 2023 *

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