Human Systems Integration (HSI) in Navy Ship Manpower Reduction

Abstract

The HSI approach to ship and ship system design for manning reduction is based on the standard human factors front-end analysis to identify functions and requirements, allocate functions to determine the role of the human vs. automation, identify approaches to reduce workload, and conduct task network workload simulation to establish the effectiveness of selected workload reduction techniques. The classes of workload reduction are focused on design requirements associated with automation of functions, consolidation of functions, simplification of function performance, and elimination of functions. Function Automation addresses the automation of functions previously performed manually and the determination of the roles of the human in automated or semi-automated functions. Function Consolidation requires a reassignment of functions among available operators to more evenly redistribute required workload. Function simplification requires that, for high driver functions and tasks assigned to a specific operator or maintainer, the demands that these functions and tasks make must be reduced to the greatest extent possible. Function/task demands include physical, cognitive, and perceptual-motor demands. Function Elimination involves removing a function from the ship through tele-operations or tele-maintenance with shoreside equipment tech-reps or maintenance experts, and reliance on collaboration tools to support dispersed team problem solving, or elimination of a function altogether.