15. Digitalization of Work Processes: A Framework for Human-Oriented Work Design

The chapter delves into the transformative effects of digital technologies on industrial work, highlighting the need for a human-centered approach. It presents divergent views on the future of jobs and skills, ranging from pessimistic projections of job losses to optimistic visions of skill upgrading. The socio-technical system approach is introduced as a framework for designing work environments that balance technological efficiency with human needs. The text emphasizes the importance of interface design between technology, personnel, and organization, and provides concrete guidelines for creating flexible, integrated, and decentralized work systems. By integrating case studies and empirical research, the chapter offers a nuanced understanding of the complexities and opportunities in the digital transformation of industrial work.