Embedding Human Factors into Simulations of Operations - Discrete Event and Agent Based Modelling

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Human considerations are frequently omitted from the design of work-places. This results in errors, under-performing systems, and even leads to poor employee health. This research proposes to develop simulation tools that allow engineers and managers to understand the impact of human factors on the systems they design, and on the front-line employees who will run the system. Typically, most simulation tools do not consider humans, or treat them just like machines. This work will take existing simulation tools and embed the best available human performance and risk models into the simulation to improve the accuracy and power of the predictions. The program will adapt existing scientific knowledge of people's fatigue and recovery responses, learning and forgetting patterns, and error making behaviours to create more robust simulation models. Since human science researchers (who have developed these models) and engineering researchers (who focus mostly on technology) don't often talk to each other, this project presents a chance to explore synergy effects by putting human science to good use in engineering models. Using "stock" simulation tools like discrete event simulation and agent based simulation allows us to create "plug in" methods and approaches that are easily shared with the communities using these tools. Once a new plug-in for the simulation software is developed, it will be tested in collaboration with a local Canadian industry partner allowing for the model parameters to be tuned to get the best accuracy possible. This will help us understand how these tools work in practice and how they might be improved to better suit real users. Ultimately, these modelling approaches can be used to help engineering teams design new operations and test innovative ideas virtually - before investing in prototypes or putting employees at risk. By developing 'virtual human factors' tools we will open the door for design teams to create highly competitive operations that use the skills and knowledge of employees optimally, while minimizing risks of overload, absenteeism, and turnover that compromise the profitability of many of today's workplaces.