Bow-tie Method Software Development:
Bow-tie Method Software Development:
Bow tie Method Software: The Bowtie method is a risk evaluation method that can be used to analyze and demonstrate causal relationships in high risk scenarios. The method takes its name from the shape of the diagram that you create, which looks like a men’s bowtie. A Bowtie diagram does two things. First of all, a Bowtie gives a visual summary of all plausible accident scenarios that could exist around a certain Hazard. Second, by identifying control measures the Bowtie displays what a company does to control those scenarios.
However, this is just the beginning. Once the control measures are identified, the Bowtie method software takes it one step further and identifies the ways in which control measures fail. These factors or conditions are called Escalation factors. There are possible control measures for Escalation factors as well, which is why there is also a special type of control called an Escalation factor control, which has an indirect but crucial effect on the main Hazard. By visualizing the interaction between Controls and their Escalation factors one can see how the overall system weakens when Controls have Escalation factors.
Besides the basic Bowtie diagram, management systems should also be considered and integrated with the Bowtie to give an overview of what activities keep a Control working and who is responsible for a Control. Integrating the management system in a Bowtie demonstrates how Hazards are managed by a company. The Bowtie can also be used effectively to assure that Hazards are managed to an acceptable level (ALARP).
By combining the strengths of several safety techniques and the contribution of human and organizational factors, Bowtie diagrams facilitate workforce understanding of Hazard management and their own role in it. It is a method that can be understood by all layers of the organization due to its highly visual and intuitive nature, while it also provides new insights to the HSE professional. Unlike traditional risk evaluation tools, the bow tie method software makes the link between risk controls risk controls and the HSE –MS. Links are made via HSE-critical roles and responsibilities, HSE critical procedures, HSE critical equipment and systems, etc.
