The welding industry is facing major and rapid technological development which is changing the way that welding is carried out. Automation and robotization are efficient tools in the development of sustainable solutions in a highly competitive global market place but those tools do not work unless their human resource aspects are taken into account. The book's emphasis is on the best use of human resources in combination with advanced technology and engineering supported by effective management concepts.
The book will be of interest to anyone involved in welding in any way, from the builder of the biggest ship to the small scale manufacturer.
The welding industry is in the process of change and under pressure. New processes and new materials are being introduced in the wake of increasingly tough competition.
In this book, Richard Boekholt, a senior welding consultant with vast experience and a uniquely international outlook, has compiled and summarised international practice within the field of welding developed from a European Union study 'Working Life 2000. The Welding Industry in Technological Change: a Human Resource Perspective'.
The book looks at the impact of automation and explains that, while some people may feel that the use of robotics and computers will threaten welders' jobs, in fact robots and computers will help welders, not replace them. At present welders are in demand and companies are faced with difficulties in recruiting and retaining good staff. It is through improved working conditions, which are presently often environmentally unsafe with workers exposed to smoke, noise, vibration and heavy physical labour, that companies can attract and keep workers.
The book emphasises the importance of managing human resources and looks at new ways of doing this. A recognition of the importance of managing human resources and looks at new ways of doing this. A recognition of the importance of training, of instructors as well as workers, will be essential to achieve the dedicated, motivated and flexible workforce necessary to work with the new technologies of the 21st century.
The welding industry is in the process of change and under pressure. New processes and new materials are being introduced in the wake of increasingly tough competition. In this book, Richard Boekholt, a senior welding consultant with vast experience and a uniquely international outlook, has compiled and summarized international practice within the field of welding developed from a European Union study 'Working Life 2000. The Welding Industry in Technological Change: a Human Resource Perspective'. The book looks at the impact of automation and explains that, while some people may feel that the use of robotics and computers will threaten welders' jobs, in fact robots and computers will help welders, not replace them. At present welders are in demand and companies are faced with difficulties in recruiting and retaining good staff. It is through improved working conditions, which are presently often environmentally unsafe with workers exposed to smoke, noise, vibration and heavy physical labor, that companies can attract and keep workers. The book emphasizes the importance of managing human resources and looks at new ways of doing this. A recognition of the importance of training, of instructors as well as workers, will be essential to achieve the dedicated, motivated and flexible workforce necessary to work with the new technologies of the 21st century.
The welding industry is in the process of change and under pressure. New processes and new materials are being introduced in the wake of increasingly tough competition. In this book, Richard Boekholt, a senior welding consultant with vast experience and a uniquely international outlook, has compiled and summarised international practice within the field of welding developed from a European Union study 'Working Life 2000. The Welding Industry in Technological Change: a Human Resource Perspective'. The book looks at the impact of automation and explains that, while some people may feel that the use of robotics and computers will threaten welders' jobs, in fact robots and computers will help welders, not replace them. At present welders are in demand and companies are faced with difficulties in recruiting and retaining good staff. It is through improved working conditions, which are presently often environmentally unsafe with workers exposed to smoke, noise, vibration and heavy physical labour, that companies can attract and keep workers. The book emphasises the importance of managing human resources and looks at new ways of doing this. A recognition of the importance of managing human resources and looks at new ways of doing this. A recognition of the importance of training, of instructors as well as workers, will be essential to achieve the dedicated, motivated and flexible workforce necessary to work with the new technologies of the 21st century.
"As it moves towards the next century, the welding industry is facing major and rapid technological development. New processes, new materials, automation and robotization are changing the way that welding is carried out. "