An Ergonomic Comparison of Data Entry Work Using a Keyboard vs. Touch Screen Input Device While Standing and Sitting

Data entry is a common practice in many facilities throughout the world today. Data entry employees are required to sit at a computer, communicate on the phone, and enter data into the computer through keyboard and mouse clicks for long periods of time. The study objective was to evaluate the postures and discomfort experienced when utilizing a keyboard or a touch screen for processing call center data while in seated and standing positions. Twenty subjects completed simulated food order entry where body postures were measured by a motion capture system and body discomfort and usability were measured by questionnaire. Overall, the results indicated that two conditions resulted in more neutral postures, lower joint velocities, and lowest discomfort in the upper extremities compared to traditional keyboard condition. The best conditions were angled touch screen input device when seated at the lower work surface and standing at the high work surface. These conditions were also the preferred conditions for data entry, as indicated by usability and ordered preference. Overall, touch screens put the worker in working postures that reduced the discomfort response to short term exposure. Further, it is important to accommodate the individual with a proper height of work surface when performing data entry either standing or sitting. With call centers prevalent in many industries around the world, touch screen data entry has the potential to reduce the discomfort workers experience when performing long periods of static and relentless work activities.