Combining Humans and Machines in Prioritizing Risks in Life Security
Learn how human intelligence and machine power can be leveraged in facility management.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the blending of human intelligence and machine power is revolutionizing many aspects of our lives. The recent growth of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools such as ChatGPT, BARD, and natural language processing has taken our lives by storm, bringing fast analytical processing and research capabilities.
One key area where human-machine synergy has immense potential is risk prioritization. Combining human cognitive power with machine computational and analytical power can improve our understanding of potential hazards, improve response mechanisms, and ultimately save lives.
Prioritizing risks in facility management
Facilities management involves the management and maintenance of physical assets such as buildings, equipment and utilities. Like any business activity, this carries inherent risks. To effectively manage a facility, these risks must be comprehensively understood, prioritized, and strategies developed to mitigate or manage them.
Risk prioritization in facility management involves evaluating the likelihood and potential impact of various risks and determining which risks are most important to the organization’s operations. This requires an understanding of the facility’s physical assets, operational processes, and potential threats to building safety.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires organizations nationwide to maintain building and life safety features through regular inspections, testing and maintenance that help identify deficiencies. Organizations often hire third-party fire safety engineering firms to perform building code assessments to ensure compliance and identify deficiencies that need to be remedied. Depending on the size and complexity of the building, hundreds of defects can be identified, leading facility managers to ask, “Where do I start?”
Approach to risk prioritization
risk matrix. One approach to risk prioritization involves using a risk matrix. A risk matrix classifies risks based on likelihood of detection, impact, number, and concentration. High-probability, high-impact risks are considered significant and require immediate attention. But what if your organization has a large concentration of low-impact risks, and does that improve your overall level of risk and priority?
