ABSTRACT
As defined for the purposes of QMS and SMS in this book, a System,† consists of humans, equipment, and procedures comprising the structure of the System. Humans manage processes (that use equipment) through procedures. Synergy, interaction, and harmony among these three constituents, represented by the three-headed arrow in Figure 1.1, should bring effectiveness and efficiency in the area of interest, improving the economic situation, the quality of the products and services, and safety in conducting dangerous activities.‡
Within the System, humans, equipment, and procedures are grouped into several parts or subsystems that interact with each other and with the external world. Four additional arrows in Figure 1.1 tell us that the System is interacting at all times with the environment around it, so we need to take this into account as well. It is important to remember that Systems are dynamic entities and the flow of energy (physical and mental), ideas, information, activities, materials, and so forth never stops!
