ABSTRACT
The introduction of ICT systems creates three important interdependent challenges tied to work practices and processes for safe and reliable grid operations. The first is the understanding of the interaction between technology and organisation, identifying actual as opposed to formal work practice in the adaptation and implementation of ICT. Second, employees must be willing to change their occupational identity and share their tacit knowledge, rules of thumb and know-how and enter this information into the systems, which might have consequences for their careers. The third is the shift in balance between operational and administrative tasks for the individual. This shift forces the individual to work more with computers. ICT systems rely on input from people codifying and storing information. Thus the systems tie up employees in bureaucratic work, removing them from operational
tasks and adding strain. Research has shown negative effects on health and safety from ‘‘all this paperwork’’ in the offshore sector (Lamvik & Ravn, 2004). These challenges all relate to data quality. Without highly valid and reliable data the ICT systems are not functional. And data validity and reliability depend on the precision and accuracy of the employees entering key information. Earlier research indicates that employees are not necessarily trained, motivated or equipped to handle these tasks (Næsje et al. 2005).
