I-CAN Tool

Ship-SHAPE Comparability Analysis (I-CAN)

STATUS: Currently Available

GENERAL OVERVIEW:
The Ship-SHAPE Comparability Analysis (I-CAN) tool was developed to aid Combat Developers (CD) in influencing system design by introducing Manpower (M), Personnel (P), and Training (T) constraints and guidelines in the early developmental phases of the acquisition process. Identifying and addressing significant human-machine interface constraints and concerns during the early phases of the design process is far more cost-effective, efficient, timely and safer than modifying a fielded system.
I-CAN uses a lessons learned approach to system design; therefore it requires a predecessor and/or reference system. The primary objectives of I-CAN involve:
1) establishing human task constraints as a basis for system development
2) identifying predecessor or reference system high drivers
3) limiting or eliminating high drivers in the developing system, by addressing MPT issues early in the planning and decision-making process.

APPROPRIATE USES:
I-CAN is a cost effective methodology for identifying task(s) that have a likelihood of significantly impacting operational effectiveness. The approach utilizes subject matter experts to identify "high driver tasks" in the Manpower, Personnel, Training, Safety, Health and Human Factors Engineer. I-CAN products can provide alternative materiel decisions, and can influence design and product supportability throughout the HFE/MANPRINT process.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
• Apple® Macintosh running System 6.0 or higher. Hypercard 2.1 or later. Minimum of 8 megabytes of RAM, 3 Megabytes of hard disk drive space.
• IBM PC or Clone running Windows 3.X and Windows 95. Minimum of 8 megabytes of RAM, 3 Megabytes of hard disk drive space.

INPUTS REQUIRED:
Questions for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs):
1. What proportion of the relevant personnel perform this task?
2. How difficult is it for the average person to learn this task?
3. How difficult is it physically for the average person to perform this task?
4. How difficult is it mentally for the average person to perform this task?
5. On the average, how often is this task conducted?
6. How much task proficiency is lost by the average person between formal training and the first attempt to complete the task in the field?
7. How much time is required to train the average person to perform this task to standard?
8. How hazardous is this task?
9. Are any special skills required to successfully complete this task?
10. Estimate the error likelihood associated with completing this task (high, moderate, or low).

PROCESSING TECHNIQUES: Compilation of ratings to standard assessment categories by subject matter experts.

OUTPUT:
ICAN is a cost effective methodology for identifying task(s) that have a likelihood of significantly impacting operational effectiveness. The approach utilizes subject matter experts to identify "high driver tasks" in the Manpower, Personnel, Training, Safety, Health and Human Factors Engineering domains.

I-CAN can also be utilized as a data source for I-TASK task inventories.

USES OF OUTPUT:
The cost to conduct an early comparability analysis is reduced because of the automation features integrated into I-CAN. Analyses are more cohesive because the underlying data are consistent. The data are more accessible because of the search/retrieval and publishing features contained within I-CAN.

STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT: Complete

VALIDATION:
Statistical/computational modules validated analytically. Database, data logging, and reporting modules validated analytically. Planning modules validated subjectively.

COMMENTS: The major applications of the I-CAN tool are to identify lessons learned from existing systems, and to identify high driver functions and conditions from an HSI point of view.