Recognising how humans make process modelling difficult

Process modelling concerns the development and use of (usually computational) physics-based models of manufacturing processes. The primary reasons for developing a process model are to better understand and use the target manufacturing process. Many specific benefits of process modelling can be identified in a wide range of activities within a manufacturing company. Process modelling is a relevant example of system dependency on humans because intelligent and effective use of a process model depends on the application of specialised human knowledge and reasoning in several key areas. Alternatively, we can also say that the need for specialised human knowledge and reasoning in several key areas limits the use of such models to a select few. This paper provides a useful example of how complex user and software characteristics can be modelled and that this complexity can be seen as an opportunity to adopt different productive viewpoints concerning the development and use of software.