Final answer:
Ian's ability to assemble machinery without conscious thought is an example of procedural memory at work, a skill gained through the repetition of tasks until they become automatic just as in the case of Ford's assembly line which simplifies tasks to foster efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The skill that Ian has developed through repetition at work is known as procedural memory. It's a type of long-term memory that enables individuals to assemble complex actions without conscious thought. This form of memory is responsible for the coordination of various skills and behaviors that have become automatic due to practice.
Similar to when one first learns to commute and must pay careful attention to schedules, signs, and exits, the initial phase requires active learning and memory. However, over time, as with Ian's experience in assembling machinery, these actions become second nature and can be performed with minimal conscious input. The driving force behind this transition is the shift from declarative to procedural memory, which is largely attributed to a part of the brain called the basal ganglia.
The concept of the assembly line, as utilized by Henry Ford, was designed to simplify the work process into such small steps that it could become automatic for the workers involved, a principle that aligns with the nature of procedural memory. Ford's system emphasizes efficiency over craftsmanship, by applying scientific management and ensuring each team member is responsible for simple, repetitious tasks leading to automaticity in the work environment.