8: Software Issue
Definition/Typical Issues
Was there a performance gap with the software? Did the software fail to perform as desired?
Examples of items coded under this node include:
- Access™
- Maximo®
- Operations applications
- Computerized maintenance management system
- Learning management system
- Distributed control system
Note 1: This node only addresses software. Computer hardware issues are categorized under the Process/Manufacturing Equipment Issue (#7) node.
Examples
Example 1
- The software control system failed to properly control a machining operation. As a result, a number of parts were improperly machined. The software did not consider an unusual sequence of steps that occurred when machining some parts.
Example 2
- The software system failed to alert the operator to elevated temperatures on a fired heater (i.e., a heater that uses a flammable gas as the heat source). As a result, the heater was damaged and had to be replaced.
Example 3
- A defect in a spreadsheet program resulted in a calculation error when computing heating times for a product.
Example 4
- Some procedure steps were not printed out because of a bug in a word processor program.
Typical Recommendations
- Work with the eventual users of the system to develop a needs specification and a design specification prior to development of the software.
- Perform tests of the software prior to implementation.
- Review program-user comments prior to purchasing software in order to identify potential problems.
- Review release notes and other documentation to identify potential implementation and compatibility problems prior to purchase.
- Update commercial software on a routine basis.