SARPs which address the role of human factors respond to the need to anticipate error in the operational environment. Human factors knowledge can be applied proactively into systems design so that a system is tolerant of errors. One way to accomplish this is by including human factors requirements in the development and certification process that applies to equipment, procedures and personnel. In the first instance, technology design is mindful of human factors issues, and the implementation of standard operating procedures reflects the needs and constraints of the operational setting in which the technology will be employed. Given the rather theoretical nature of human factors endeavours in the past, the second approach has been the one that is traditionally favoured by aviation.
Training is seen as the solution, since it appears to be less costly than system redesign.
Deciding which approach to pursue has significant financial implications, beyond the obvious safety-based considerations. Involving human factors expertise during technology design might incur additional expenses, but the costs are paid only once in the system's lifetime. What's more, in the medium to long term, initial costs will be recovered through improved system efficiency that generates a number of benefits, including in many cases reduced demand for training time. Coping with flawed human-technology interfaces means increased training expenses throughout the entire operational life of the system. Not only is it necessary to increase training, but every time operational feedback identifies an interface shortcoming that was ignored or unforeseen during the design stage, additional training becomes necessary.