...over 80% of large IT projects fail...

David Clarke
Chief Executive
British Computer Society

Complex Activities Can Be Measured and Simulated

Using slow-motion video playback equipment linked to a desktop computer, we measured and analyzed activities as short as 1/30 second duration.

Human Factors Study of Computer Complex

Results led to better understanding of the potential effects of HAB TCCC on tower cab controller situational awareness.

Impact of Inserting Computer System into the Workplace

Results led to better understanding of the impact of introducing the system on operator activity and to recommendations to improve system logic and the computer-human interface.

Study to Insure Domestic Biowarfare Readiness

OMNI engineers… developed statistics describing patient flow rates, staff utilization rates, patient processing times, and patient wait and in-transit times.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT's) $33 billion effort to modernize the National Airspace System includes the automation of some air traffic control activities. After voicing our concerns about the possible effects of this automation on controller timeload, DOT asked OMNI to research the feasibility of measuring, modeling, and simulating the work of air traffic controllers in four dimensions - visual scanning, verbal communication, hand/arm motion, and body movement.

Air traffic control work includes many short-duration, highly repetitive physical and cognitive activities that often occur simultaneously. Since conventional work measurement techniques are not appropriate for this environment, we videotaped controller activity and used our Workload Analysis Lab to collect data needed to design a simulation model.

Using slow-motion video playback equipment linked to a desktop computer, we measured and analyzed activities as short as 1/30 second duration. On the basis of this data, we designed an analytical simulation model framework that would permit "what if" analyses of controller timeloading when changes to the controller's job are proposed.

No matter what the job, you can measure, analyze, and improve it. Contact us at info@omni-engineering.com and let us show you how.

The purpose of this study was to develop operational task characterization data for air traffic controllers in airport traffic control towers (ATCTs) and for controllers in hypothetical tower cabs equipped with the High Availability Basic Tower Control Computer Complex (HAB TCCC). The new tower equipment, HAB TCCC, is designed to consolidate equipment found in many of today's ATCTs.

To develop operational task characterization data, engineers identified a subset of today's ATCT controller tasks expected to be supported by the HAB TCCC. Example tasks include those associated with environmental controls and displays, flight data input/output, pre-departure clearance, and automated terminal information system. These tasks were allocated to those controller positions expected to perform the tasks.

After grouping the tasks by type and control position, we used existing work measurement data to compute relative frequencies for each activity subset.

Our client used study results to better understand the potential effects of HAB TCCC on tower cab controller situational awareness and as supporting data to prepare procurement recommendations regarding HAB TCCC.

To better understand the impact of inserting new technology in the workplace, contact us at info@omni-engineering.com

The purpose of this study was to estimate the impact on operator timeload when inserting a prototype of a new computer system into the workplace. Conducting the study for the U.S. Department of Transportation, we compared two sets of work measurement data; one when operators used the prototype and the other when operators did not.

While the prototype system was operational, actions of each operator were observed and time measured. We collected measurement data for four types of operator actions: verbal communication, visual activity, hand/arm motion, and body movement. Concurrent with the collection of measurement data about operator activity, engineers also collected workload data.

Using the work measurement data collected during this study and data available from an earlier study, statistical analyses and tests were conducted. The primary intent of these analyses and tests was to compare operator activity with and without the prototype over a range of workload levels.

Our client used the results of our study to better understand the impact of introducing the prototype system on operator activity and to develop recommendations to improve system logic and the computer-human interface.

To better understand the impact of inserting new technology in the workplace, contact us at info@omni-engineering.com

Organizations that must respond to medical emergencies are giving increased attention to domestic terrorism. To assure optimal use of national resources and rapid, effective response to a domestic biowarfare attack, the U.S. Congress authorized and funded programs to prepare local jurisdictions for such an incident.

As a member of a contractor team, we supported a study led by the U.S. Department of the Army to validate the service delivery capacity of a conceptual model of a quick-response medical emergency clinic. OMNI assisted with the design, development, and execution of the measurement phases of the study during a disaster drill with medical staff treating live "patients" with randomly assigned injuries and medical conditions. Measurement data were captured using bar code technology at patient processing areas such as initial and secondary triage, registration, treatment and stabilization, observation and holding, and out-processing. OMNI engineers analyzed the measurement data and developed statistics describing patient flow rates, staff utilization rates, patient processing times, and patient wait and in-transit times.

The results of the study were used to analyze and improve the community-based, Neighborhood Emergency Help Center model to insure optimal patient care and service delivery, and to forecast staff and facility needs to meet increased patient volumes.

When performance data is important to you, call us for help at info@omni-engineering.com