Measuring things – it’s getting out of control

It seems to me that the whole world’s gone a bit mad when it comes to measuring things. We measure inputs and outputs almost to the nano level, and in doing so we make a simple task into a complex task with a mountain of paperwork. Why? Sometimes it’s an OSH requirement, sometimes an industry requirement. sometimes it gives us useful information. Often we do it because we think we ‘should.’ Sometimes we do it just because we can, thanks to modern technology!

A lot of the time even if it is required, there is a simpler, less intrusive way to measure.Sometimes we get so used to what we do that we don’t see it clearly, especially when tasks have been added to and changed along the way.

It pays to take some time out to think clearly about our processes and measurement.