Accession Number:

ADA076211

Title:

The Multiple Position Letter Sorting Machine. An Evaluation of Visual, Auditory, and Human Factor Problems.

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC COMMITTEE ON HEARING BIOACOUSTICS AND BIOMECHANICS

Personal Author(s):

Report Date:

1979-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

39.0

Abstract:

This report reviews and comments upon studies proposed by a U.S. Postal Service task force concerned with reducing operator error rates and improving job satisfaction with the Multiple Position Letter Sorting Machine MPLSM. The major recommendation of the report is that the Postal Service study the feasibility and cost-benefit effectiveness of 1 changing MPLSM operation from machine pacing to operator pacing 2 providing an error key to enable operators to correct mistakes they themselves detect 3 providing on-line feedback on personal performance to operator and 4 rewarding operators who achieve low error rates. The importance of establishing an adequate system for measuring baseline error rates is emphasized. The report also considers the structure of the work environment, including visual and auditory factors, and explores the possibility of complete automation of the sorting system. Author

Descriptors:

• *MAN MACHINE SYSTEMS
• *SORTING MACHINES
• COST EFFECTIVENESS
• ACCURACY
• HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING
• FEEDBACK
• ERRORS
• KEYBOARDS
• SORTING
• OPERATORS(PERSONNEL)
• PROFICIENCY
• BENEFITS
• AMBIENT NOISE
• POSTAL SERVICE
• JOB SATISFACTION
• CORRECTIONS
• VISUAL ACUITY
• AWARDS
• FATIGUE(PHYSIOLOGY)

Subject Categories:

• Psychology
• Human Factors Engineering and Man Machine Systems

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE