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High Performance Work Systems: Finding the Right Fit Between People and Technology
by Cherri Schmidt, EnteGreat

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Paper Overview
Technology can supply incredibly beneficial capabilities, such as automated work instructions, electronic capture of process data, or at-line testing for quality, but people will still be needed to operate this technology, so overall success depends on both sides.  There must be a concerted effort to empower the people to use the technology. High Performance Work Systems (HPWS) provide the best possible fit between the social system and the technical system. The results from using the HPWS framework are concrete and tangible. Productivity rises, wastes declines, manufacturing becomes more flexible, the workforce becomes more stable, production gains greater control over quality, and regulatory compliance is handled with greater efficiency and accuracy. In short, HPWS directly contribute to a company's bottom line.

Paper Outline

• Why Companies Are Focusing More on People
• How HPWS Produce Sustainable Gains
• Using Technology to Enable HPWS
• Guidelines for Building HPWS Principles into Systems Technology Implementations
• How to Get Started with HPWS

About the Author
Cherri Schmidt (formerly Cherri Langenfeld) is an experienced manager and leader with over 25 years experience in managing people in large, technology-based organizations. Cherri has had a diverse career in operations management, from building production facilities for Exxon, to building cars for General Motors, to overseeing the management and operations of five national research laboratories at the U.S. Department of Energy. Cherri has served as a management consultant to companies in a variety of other industries, including automotive, aerospace, metals, paper, petroleum, chemicals, and consumer products. Most recently, Cherri has been working with EnteGreat's client organizations in North America and Europe to develop and implement information technology strategies and project justification for manufacturing in the food and CPG industries.

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