Human and Automation Resource Management: A Transformation Process Towards Integration - A qualitative case study in collaboration with Svenska Kullagerfabriken, SKF.

Abstract

Automation is a trend on the horizon for companies in different industries. In the automation transformation, the human capital is the challenging equation, where this research field is not that fully developed. Therefore, the research topic covers how the implementation of automation affects the demand for skills, working conditions and strategic consequences for human resource management. Through qualitative research with a case study with Svenska Kullagerfabriken known as SKF, the research uncovers how automation has shifted the planning needs, demand for skills, affected workers well-being and strategies. Through previous theory, interviews with twenty respondents and participation observation, the research found that the implementation of automation encourages human resources to change towards a people perspective to focus on competence development through internal training and development. The skills have shifted towards more process understanding and digital skills. The research further uncovered that working conditions have improved regarding physical, health and safety aspects due to automation, but there is a shift from physical to mental pressures. It has become more motivating to work with new equipment and job satisfaction has increased through mitigation of standardised tasks and fewer accidents. The research has identified a concept called Human and Automation Resource Management, HARM, which describes the integration process between humans and machines. This management style is a strategic consequence of automation and to achieve a successful HARM integration thirteen factors have been identified.