The power to change

The Energy Institute (EI) has published new guidance on managing human factors issues around introducing new technology to an organisation. The publication helps people plan for features such as automation and artificial intelligence and understand whether the workforce will accept them. It includes examples, case studies and checklists, as well as tools and techniques to help implement new technologies.

The guidance says: “Unfortunately, too often technology is introduced into an organisation simply because it is available. This can lead to a number of problems affecting the use/misuse and uptake of the technology and, ultimately, whether its perceived benefits are ever realised.

“Considering human and organisational factors (HOF) is essential to overcoming these challenges and ensuring the successful design, introduction and use of new technology. The entire process of understanding, adopting, and updating technology requires a holistic HOF risk evaluation.

“This publication is aimed at organisations who want to introduce a new technology to the organisation. It aims to prompt the reader to think about HOF issues that might need to be considered when introducing new technology, and to direct them towards relevant processes and tools that may assist in the management of these issues.”

To read the new guide, which was first published in 2017 and has been updated to cover new technologies, visit the EI’s website.