HFI (Human factors integration)
Human factors integration is the current best practice method for the application of human factors to the systems engineering process.
In essence HFI brings together the broad ranging concerns of the human factors discipline and aligns these with the focus of the engineering activities. The themes and activities required evolve and change through the phases of the design lifecycle. Typically this will be guided by a Human factors integration plan (HFIP) that sits alongside the system development plan.
The purpose of the HFIP is to define how the human factors and engineering activities necessary for the successful delivery of a particular system will be conducted. It establishes the guidance to be followed by the project to implement the best-practice human factors methods, as well as the principles involved. The Plan normally describes the organisation, methods, processes and controls necessary over the entire life cycle of the system from the concept phase through to commissioning and operations (and possibly decommissioning).
The benefits of human factors integration include:
The assessment and demonstration of the operational feasibility of the human role in the system, including more accurate estimation of manpower and training costs.
The improved specification of design requirements for more usable systems and equipment, leading to lean commissioning and sustainable performance.
The achievement of regulatory demands for human factors risk assessment, and the enhancement of safety and performance management systems.
Human Engineering has extensive experience of implementing HFI on a variety of projects in a wide range of sectors, including: rail, oil & gas, aviation, defence and the built environment. The variety of this experience serves to demonstrate our ability to tailor the HFI solutions to the complexity and economics of our customers’ projects, and to guarantee quality and adherence to good practice in all cases.