The Significance of Human Performance in Production Processes: An Extensive Review of Simulation-Integrated Techniques for Assessing Fatigue and Workload

Human involvement in manufacturing is indispensable. The performance and reliability of the human element directly impacts the success of a system. The complex interplay between fatigue, workload, and human performance necessitates recognition of the importance of human factors in manufacturing to achieve optimal outcomes. The efficiency of employees in production systems can be influenced by a number of factors, including exhaustion, cognitive and physical abilities, and the amount of time available for tasks. In general, these factors can have an impact on human reliability, which in turn can affect the reliability of production systems. A key objective of workload research is to identify and analyze potential performance declines, along with their associated factors. The pursuit of successful outcomes in an operation is not enough, as the negative impacts of such outcomes on the system or personnel must also be minimized. Once a possible issue or decrease has been determined, corrective measures are put in place to address such instances. Such foresight serves to prevent the costs that may arise from making process modifications, and to optimize resource utilization. This study conducts a comprehensive review of related literature, focusing on simulation integration. A taxonomy of fatigue and workload is used to contextualize and assess these factors. Methodologies and techniques are described, and evaluations of specific assessment techniques are provided, along with discussions of available information. This research makes a persuasive case for the importance of evaluating fatigue and workload among operators.