Publications Details
Human Factors Guidance for Building a Computer-Based Procedures System: How to Give the Users Something They Actually Want
Historically, “skill-of-the-craft” was the single measure of job qualification. In those days, no one gave workers a procedure to follow. Today, large complex industries rely on procedures as a way of ensuring the job will be performed reliably and safely. Typically, these procedures provide a layer of protection to mitigate the severity of an accident or prevent it from happening. While paper-based procedures have long been the standard way of doing business, there is increasing interest in replacing this format with Computer-Based Procedures. Though, the transition from paper to paperless can be more problematic than it seems. Some issues that have led to these problems are discussed here. It is hoped that, by knowing what these issues are, the same mistakes will not be repeated in the future. Mistake avoidance begins with a well-defined set of user requirements for the proposed system. Plus, it is important to realize that Computer-Based Procedures are likely going to be placed in a facility that has never used this type of technology before. As for any new technology, a new way of thinking must come with it. Otherwise, if attempts are made to intermingle old ideas with new ways of doing business, problems are destined to occur.