This paper briefly reviews the first participation of human factors engineering in the identification and solution of manufacturing problems at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company. Electronics manufacturing management recognized the need for human factors engineering when new programs, more stringent quality requirements, and hiring of unskilled personnel gave rise to process control problems. During a six-month study period, many problems in the manufacturing area were discovered and reported, and those judged most critical were selected for detailed analysis and resolution. Many of the resulting recommendations were adopted, including major changes in design of manufacturing work stations.
