ABSTRACT
The emergence of new production processes, the successful use of new materials, and the opening of new markets globally, have influenced how ergonomics can benefit our society. In the past, ergonomics was incorporated primarily into strategies that could offer reductions in the cost of materials and the cost of production, and strategies that could increase corporate efficiency and profitability. Similarly, business partnerships and distribution systems have been created for the purpose of reducing the overall costs to consumers. Such strategies by themselves are no longer sufficient. New approaches are needed that can add competitive value to products as well as to processes.
