A generic approach to developing human factors-quality assessment tools exemplified by the warehouse error prevention tool.

Abstract

This study proposes a generic approach for creating human factors-based assessment tools to enhance operational system quality by reducing errors. The approach was driven by experiences and lessons learned in creating the warehouse error prevention (WEP) tool and other system engineering tools. The generic approach consists of 1) identifying tool objectives, 2) identifying system failure modes, 3) specifying design-related quality risk factors for each failure mode, 4) designing the tool, 5) conducting user evaluations, and 6) validating the tool. The WEP tool exemplifies this approach and identifies human factors related to design flaws associated with quality risk factors in warehouse operations. The WEP tool can be used at the initial stage of design or later for process improvement and training. While this process can be adapted for various contexts, further study is necessary to support the teams in creating tools to identify design-related human factors contributing to quality issues.