Cycle Of A Process Is More Than
Inputs And Outputs
NOTE: This post is from one of our frequent contributors to this blog, "Birdseye59604.
The
cycle of a process is more than to input data, turn this data inputs into actionable
items and wait for results. A process itself might be simple, complex or beyond
currently invented capabilities. It's an assumption that a process is only as
good as the inputs, and if the input is trash, then trash becomes the output.
At the other end of the spectrum it is assumed that good data produces
desirable process results. If these assumptions are true accidents would happen
consistently with incorrect inputs, and would never happen with correct inputs.
The pilot of an airplane rolling down the runway for takeoff has already put in
place inputs to the processes for a safe flight and to arrive safely at destination
as planned.
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In a process
with no variables, the output of a process would be in a Standard Atmospheric
Condition.
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As
a very young person, I would place my glass of milk at the edge of the table for
easy reach. This did not fit the process for good input. So, the glass was
moved to the top of the plate where it could not fall to the floor, since I had
become known to spill the milk and accidentally push the glass over. I had not
yet grown up to the size of an adult who developed the processes and it became
a challenge to reach the glass. When placed at the edge of the table I had
control of the process and could reach it without applying other variables than
to reach for it. As the glass was placed farther away I was faced with variables of leaning forward,
move a bit higher, at the same time as I reached for the glass. As often, the
milk was spilled since these variables were not trained for, or accounted for
by the process-developers.
It
is true that input of a process is a contributing factor of outcome, but only becomes
a fact when there are no variables. When variables are removed the process is
only as good as the inputs. However, when variables are presents the process is
only as good as the quality assurance of output control.
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Unless the
variables of a process is accounted for, the process outcome is random.
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One
quality of human factors is resilience, or the ability to bounce back from an
unexpected variable. Humans have the ability to react both with a proactive
solution, or with a reactive solution. Human factors also have the ability to
apply unconventional process adjustments to return back to desired outcome. It
is when variables are not accounted for that perfectly good inputs to a process
could produce catastrophic result. The cycle of a process does not stop with
the output or result. The cycle ends when human factors take control of quality
assurance of the output. Safety in processes is only as good as the human
control of the output.
BirdsEye59604
