Leeds University Business School Dr Des Leach & Dr Matthew Davis Factories of the Future PPP Ideas for proposals The Socio-Technical Centre (STC) is a vibrant multi-disciplinary research group. We work closely with leading private and public sector organizations to put people at the heart of design.

We are Organisational Psychologists with a focus on understanding employee behaviour. We have a longstanding interest in Advanced Manufacturing Technology – the interface between technology and employees. Our research is based on Socio-Technical Systems design principles, for example: ‘control of variance at source’. Our past research includes: work design, skills development, motivation, well-being, AMT effectiveness, workspace design and contextual factors. Our expertise: research design, multi-methods data collection, cross-disciplinary project experience (engineers, health, economists).

Factories of the Future …people are key to competitiveness. …flatter organisational structures : teamworking, empowerment, flexibility. …continuing education and training: develop and maximise potential. “The emerging mental model for the Factory of the Future is of centres of creativity and innovation, where capable and talented people use world-class technologies and processes to create new ways of adding value.” (Ridgway, Clegg & Williams, 2013) …increasing demands, move towards knowledge work. The Factory of the Future needs to be an attractive option for the best talent.

“The workforce will play an increasingly important role in future manufacturing, although technological advances will lead to the automation of many existing manual processes, rather than replacing people, these developments will change their roles towards more knowledge-based work.” (Ridgway, Clegg & Williams, 2013) “There will be a change from ‘doing’ the manufacturing to monitoring automated processes in real time and responding to feedback from machines to optimise process capability.” (Ridgway, Clegg & Williams, 2013) “Beyond automation.. augmentation … technology will ‘deepen’ work.. analyse large amounts of data, make sense of data, adjust processes, creativity (next generation technology)” [HBR paper] “An emphasis….. on the need to attract, develop and keep talented people. These are viewed as the sources of innovation and creativity.” (Ridgway, Clegg & Williams, 2013)

A systems view of the FoF: an integration of people, organisation and technology Key features: Agile & lean Integrated Simple/communicable Innovative business models (eg servitisation) Processes & Practices Looks and feels: Open, interactive, buzz, Light, clean, fresh Social/ interactive spaces Wow factor Open to customers, suppliers, universities and schools Smaller Some local and near customers Infrastructure Key features: Integrated (through design, manufacture, service, & supply chain) Linked to universities and other partners Agile enough to accommodate innovations Social media, Big Data, Gaming Focus on: Customers (Quality, Lead times) Green agenda (products, processes, factories, supply chain & people) System goals (across supply chains and with other partners) Goals & Metrics Key features: Open, networked, interactive Fostering creativity & innovation An extended system Open to customers, suppliers, universities & schools Mutually beneficial partnerships Based on trust & competence Culture Characterised by: Talent & development Team working Empowered & responsible employees People as investments Men and women equally represented Knowledge workers, problem solvers People Factory of the Future Technology Figure courtesy of Ridgway, Clegg & Williams (2003).

Key Research Themes: Design and evaluation of technology user friendliness and processes. Information processing and knowledge management. Allocation/optimisation of function, technological trust, user participation in design, user satisfaction. Technology: Teamworking, autonomy, upskilling, knowledge work, context, support and management systems, promoting diversity, attracting and retaining talent. Work organisation: Metrics, well-being (techno-stress), engagement, creativity, health and safety, data sense-making, process adjustments Evaluating effectiveness:

Design stage – systems design principles, specification for design (early stage experiments, UCD). Evaluation of technology/spaces – pre/post change, longitudinal evaluating interactions and performance metrics. Evaluation of early stage technologies or competing solutions. Capability, recruitment and development analyses and experiments. We are looking to work with industries and academics. Some examples of how we could input to a consortium: We are open to ideas and suggestions from potential partners…….. Contact Details: