Human Factor has to be Acknowledged

It is surprising how often the human factor is overlooked or just receives scant attention.

It is thus somewhat refreshing that as 2024 draws to a close we are able, in this issue of PS, to put two people-based subjects under the spotlight – Enhanced User Experience and the Value of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) data.

Enhanced USER Experience does involve technology but the central point about this is that it involves a shift from simple functionality to designing intuitive systems tailored to user needs. At the centre of things is the human factor with the new technologies arriving on the scene contributing to this – Application Programming Interface connectivity, virtual assistants, predictive analytics, AI and so on. There is a consensus of opinion that suggests companies that lead in this area will ultimately achieve improved customer satisfaction and gain competitive edge. Who can afford to ignore this?

With DEI, Heidi Heseltine, Founder of Diversity Study Group, makes the point that the port and terminal industry has made massive strides in leveraging operational data but it still lags behind other sectors in recording and utilising anything related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

This is a sad situation.

I am sure the majority of PS readers will be familiar with individuals who have faced problems in these areas and who have found them extremely hard to resolve. Non-acceptance of diversity and non inclusion remain quite common but without trend data to judge the facts against are very difficult to prove. If things are really bad what usually happens is the individual leaves the company concerned, even after union or human resources support.

Things need to change and leveraging data can be a useful contributor to this.

In conclusion, this is the last issue of PS prior to Xmas and New Year, enjoy the holidays and let’s hope 2025 is a stable, healthy, prosperous and generally rewarding year.