Sociotechnical Systems in the Textile Industry

Abstract

This article delineates the work of an interdisciplinary research group concerning the implementation of a digital assistance system in the German textile industry. Using a holistic approach, researchers from different disciplines contribute to the design of an integrated socio-technical method that guides industrial actors in developing and implementing digital assistance systems that are applicable on the shop-floor level and at the same time take into account various social and organizational demands. Following this approach, the development of new technologies is coordinated with innovative social practices, for example, learning techniques or organizational changes. Furthermore, aspired users of the assistance system participate in the project by contributing their expertise of the working progress as well as by defining requirements essential towards addressing the various challenges at hand. The conceptual outline and early findings of the project, including the development of a prototype of the assistance system, are presented in this article.