The people in sysTems Tlcm handbook - Human Factors Integration ...

The roles of the Front Line Commands in acquisition
All systems, equipment and procedures
should be designed, taking into account all
DLOD in order to achieve effective
operations. The best systems and
equipment are however ineffective if they
are not operable by the end user. With such
a significant impact on the operational
effectiveness of a system or equipment, the
end user becomes a key player in the HFI
process.
FLCs are an integral part of the MOD Unified
Customer Community. Their involvement at
all stages of Capability management is
required to ensure risks are identified and
mitigated at the earliest opportunity. FLC
feedback continues to be a valuable
commodity which can be used in planning
and management to improve through life
Capability. FLCs have recognised this by, for
example, having dedicated trials units to test
and evaluate systems prior to introduction
into service and having a range of User
feedback mechanisms.
People Factors Relevant To FLCs
“Basically if something is going to slow you
down then we try not to bother with it. If it is
light and it works, then you are going to use it
a lot – it’s barely a conscious decision. It’s just
the way you have to operate. You are
continually making security calculations when
you are in a hostile environment trading speed
against safety.” (Former SF Soldier)
People factors affecting FLCs are prevalent
across the breadth of the DLOD, from the
most commonly thought of Equipment and
Training aspects, through to the often
overlooked areas of Logistics and
Infrastructure.
Examples of People Factors of concern to
the FLCs could include:
• Usability of Equipment
• Impact of operational environments on
systems (fitness for purpose)
• Impact of climate extremes
• Accommodation and Habitability
• Tempo of operations and frequency of
deployment
• Personnel being deployed with limited
training
• Impact of new equipment on Branch
Structures
• Health Hazards associated with storage of
munitions
• Appropriateness of Standard Operating
Procedures and ways of working
• Information Accessibility e.g. the distribution
of safety instructions and technical data
• Having insufficient time to recover
between tasks
• Equipment Safety
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