Operating the production calculus: ordering a production system in the print industry

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Work
• Organizational Studies
• Manufacturing Operations

Background:

• Shop-floor work is a well-researched sociological topic.
• Organizational structures are often assumed, not analyzed as work.
• The operation of these structures constitutes work for some individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the achievement of stable organizational structures in shop-floor settings.
• To analyze the collaborative work involved in production scheduling.
• To understand the use of 'the production calculus' in planning.

Main Methods:

• Fieldwork investigation at a large commercial printing company.
• Focus on the collaborative practices of job schedulers.
• Analysis of the 'production calculus' in practical application.

Main Results:

• Stable organizational structures are actively constructed through collaborative work.
• The 'production calculus' is a key tool used in practical scheduling.
• Despite technological advancements, traditional scheduling methods persist.

Conclusions:

• The practical application of the 'production calculus' influences technology adoption.
• Understanding the collaborative work of scheduling is crucial for organizational stability.
• Further research is needed on the interplay between practice and technology in manufacturing.