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One of the primary goals of computer-aided ergonomics is to develop software tools that allow ergonomics information to be accessed at the earliest stages of design. This case study discusses a PC-based software program that allows a designer to quantify a worker's biomechanical risk for injury based on a proposed workplace design. The program couples an established software tool for biomechanical analysis, the Three-Dimensional Static Strength Prediction Program (3DSSPP), with a widely used computer-aided design software package, AutoCAD. The use of this '3DSSPP/AutoCAD interface' in the proactive analysis of an automotive assembly task is described and the results compared with an independent assessment using observations of workers performing the same task. Both studies yield similar conclusions, suggesting that proactive use of software such as the 3DSSPP/AutoCAD interface may be a valid tool in evaluating proposed workplace designs. In this context, issues in the analysis of workplace designs regarding the use of supporting ergonomic tools, assumptions, and posture selection are discussed. Keywords: Ergonomics; Computer-aided design (CAD); Workplace design

The article discusses some of the process improvement that companies used to reduce costs as well as increase the efficiency while maintaining the quality ad performance standards as expected by consumers in the U.S. First is to identify the areas wherein improvement opportunities were visible by starting with a problem statement. Then, identify the key process input variables of the company. It further stresses that costs, which are related to restricted workers and lost-time cases is the resulting outcome of many input variable. Moreover, it notes that those inputs must be evaluated and prioritized to ensure that precious resources are not being wasted.