Function Allocation: Policy, Practice, Procedures, & Process

Allocation of functions is known by human systems integration professionals as encompassing both a process and a product. As a process, function allocation refers to the sequence of steps involved in establishing the alternate roles, responsibilities, and requirements for humans and machines in a complex human-machine system. As a product, function allocation refers to the end state of the application of the process, the optimal distribution of roles, responsibilities and tasks between humans and machines. When the system development objective is to downsize emerging systems as compared with existing systems, the focus of the allocation of function effort changes from an emphasis on optimizing human roles to minimizing human involvement in system functions. In addressing the issue of performing system functions with fewer humans as compared with existing systems, the function allocation strategy is not simply to assign functions to automated or manual performance on the basis of differential capabilities and capacities of the two, as exemplified in the Fitt's List approach. Rather, the strategy is to automate functions to the extent needed to enable the required reduction in workload and manning, with attendant provisions for decision aiding, task simplification, and design in conformity with human engineering standards to ensure adequate levels of human performance and personnel safety. Another change in emphasis when allocating functions for a reduced manning environment humans and machines are not viewed as competing resources to which responsabilities are assigned on the basis of their unique and individual capabilities but rather as cooperative elements of a system interacting and collaborating in synergy to achieve the system objectives.