Appropriate automation—Integrating technical, human, organizational, economic and cultural factors

doi:10.1016/0005-1098(91)90127-N

Automatica

Volume 27, Issue 6, November 1991, Pages 901-917

https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-1098(91)90127-N Get rights and content

Abstract

Automation technology, including digital computer and communication techniques, is being applied in an ever-increasing range of private and public spheres, and reaching third world cultures not previously exposed to such technology. It is engineers' responsibility to consider the direct and indirect effects of this technology. To be able to fulfill this responsibility and make proper design decisions, engineers must both understand “appropriateness” within a given boundary, and have decision authority, together with other parties participating in the design. Whereas sound methodologies for user-centered design are appearing, anticipating and considering the cultural effects of automation are concerns that go far beyond traditional engineering. Nevertheless, engineers should be more deeply involved in comprehensive technology assessment. Encouraging experiences show how innovative design approaches and consideration of comprehensive sets of requirements can lead to better overall system performance. However, much research on open questions remains to be done.

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- 1.
  • Functions and hierarchical structures of control systems,
- 2.
  • Man-machine interface,
- 3.
  • Integrated control systems,
- 4.
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- 5.
  • Fault tolerance, and
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^☆: The original version of this invited plenary paper was presented at the 11th IFAC World Congress on Automatic Control at the Service of Mankind which was held in Tallinn, Estonia during August, 1990. The published proceedings of this IFAC Meeting may be ordered from Pergamon Press plc, Headington Hill Hall, Oxford OX3 0BW, U.K. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Editor A. P. Sage.

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PaperAppropriate automation—Integrating technical, human, organizational, economic and cultural factors☆

Abstract

Automatica

New technology and organizational choice

QWL Focus

Man's role in control systems

Computerized manufacturing and empirical knowledge

AI Society

Advanced manufacturing technology and work design

Paper
Appropriate automation—Integrating technical, human, organizational, economic and cultural factors☆