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Digitalization of Logistics Work: Ergonomic Improvements Versus Work Intensification

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Digital Supply Chains and the Human Factor

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Logistics ((LNLO))

Abstract

Digital technologies are more and more finding their way into logistics. On the one hand, they are associated with positive effects on the ergonomics of logistics work by replacing repetitive, stressful and ergonomically disadvantageous tasks. But, on the other hand, studies indicate that the intensification of work is increasing. According to this discrepancy, we investigate how digital technologies, ergonomic improvements and work intensification are related. We present qualitative-explorative results from different logistics departments and warehouses using digital technologies in order picking. Our aim is to analyze whether opportunities to substitute ergonomically disadvantageous tasks are used to integrate more challenging and attractive activities or whether they give rise to easier tasks. We show that such substitution potentials are almost exclusively used for intensifying work and hence, that possible positive ergonomic effects are eliminated or not at all a crucial aim when digital technologies are implemented in order picking.

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    https://www.innovationlab-logistics.com/

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. TU Dortmund University, Sozialforschungsstelle, Dortmund, Germany

    Hendrik Lager, Alfredo Virgillito & Tom-Philipp Buchberger

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  1. Hendrik Lager
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  2. Alfredo Virgillito
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  3. Tom-Philipp Buchberger
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Correspondence to Hendrik Lager .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Chair for Production and Logistics, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany

    Matthias Klumpp

  2. Chair for Sociology, Institute of Education, Work and Society, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany

    Caroline Ruiner

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Lager, H., Virgillito, A., Buchberger, TP. (2021). Digitalization of Logistics Work: Ergonomic Improvements Versus Work Intensification. In: Klumpp, M., Ruiner, C. (eds) Digital Supply Chains and the Human Factor. Lecture Notes in Logistics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-58430-6_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-58430-6_3

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