Human safety risk in automated information systems

This article discusses the complex problems involved in minimizing risks when applying automated information systems to functions that can affect human safety and lives, and limitations on the way technological risk is assessed in todays environment. It calls for policies at the highest levels and research on management approaches to providing a focus for evaluating and solving automated information system problems causing failure and for applying the automated systems in a manner that will minimize the potential for harm to individuals. The author also believes it to be very important that problems presented are disclosed to information managers that may be part of the decision-making on what and how much to automate, and also those involved in other technologies and functions that use automated information at their core. Automated information systems (computers and telecommunications) have changed our everyday life. Because of fast changing technology and creative software development, beneficial computer applications in business, education, scientific applications, and personal use now prevail. With automated information systems, our society has increased productivity, saved money, and has made possible many things previously considered impossible. In general, society has benefitted from increased automation of information.