Error

The term error is the existence of a state or process as a basis, which is defined with respect to its duties to be performed. Under a fault was understood a long time the deviation from this basis.

In the meantime, however, the definition was changed. The German Institute for Standardization defined error now as "a characteristic value that does not meet the prescribed requirements " and " non-fulfillment of a requirement "; while the request is defined as a " requirement or expectation that the set or, usually provided or is mandatory ."

• 3.1 controlling
• 3.2 Error Culture

Classification of types of errors

General

It is generally distinguished between two types of errors, the expected error and the unexpected error. The occurrence of a fault may be subject to certain conditions, the so-called error conditions and thus be systematic. Are familiar with the conditions under which an error occurs, it can be reproduced. You can avoid errors with a known cause. The consequences of a mistake are usually undesirable. Therefore, errors are often - but not exclusively - classified according to the severity of the failure effect. For products, the insignificance of errors is a sign of quality. The presence or occurrence of faults is or may be a lack dar. In living things certain physiological deficiencies can cause errors receptive ( visual defects, hearing impairment, read error, see dyscalculia ). Other perceptual errors have cognitive causes; see, eg, attention, halo effect, human error, prejudice.

An error has often been the character of damage ( Farbfehldruck, spelling errors ); it often occurs abruptly or from the beginning. In addition, there is the moving contrast to the requirement (color engraving, measurement error), which is also called deviation.

Also take place in the field of aesthetics and art judgments about "right" and "wrong." A unique in its originality new work of art may differ from the norm or the expectations and come in for criticism. The talk of errors encountered in this area, however, completely on its border. " Error " here often gain a special attraction: the " Blue Mauritius " to the beauty spot of Cindy Crawford, "wrong" from the color ratios and exaggerations of modern artists to the "wrong" sounds in jazz. What is referred to as errors and what not, here arises a subjective judgment.

Obtained not only in creative, but also in innovative areas mistake a productive meaning: The discovery of America and the discovery of penicillin were made by "mistake." Also, post-it, Viagra and Teflon " based on errors ". The targeted approach to mistakes is of great importance therefore for companies. The severity of the error culture therefore has a significant influence on the quality of products and services, but also on the capacity for innovation, competitiveness and productivity of the company.

Human errors denote the misconduct of people (lower case: Lapsus ). Chains of errors in a connection are referred to as burst error; they can lead to a collapse of entire systems, such as aircraft crash or long-range power failure.

Statistics

In statistics, the term error repeatedly used. Statistical errors are: fault 1st and 2nd kind, random errors and sample or standard error.

Technology

Errors and their consequences can also be caused by malfunctions such as technical defects. In this case, the error is not caused by people who use and operate a system or device, rather they are created in the production and / or construction ( design flaw ). In many cases, technical errors are in the broad sense, in turn, due to human error in the design phase or in the production process. The Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA ) is trying all possible errors to systematically detect the failure effects and worst error concatenations and evaluate in order to initiate appropriate measures.

Physics and instrumentation

As Deviation (formerly measurement error ), the deviation between the true size of an object and the result obtained by a measurement is referred to. In a measurement with an ideal measurement system, the measurand is unadulterated X at the input of the system and is represented exactly at the output as measurement result Y; so it follows the transfer function Y = X. However, it is generally not possible to measure free of deviations; the inevitable difference Y - X is the mathematical representation of the measurement error. Thus, it is not the responsibility to provide a measured value with sites that are due to established measurement deviations are not significant but uncertain or incorrect; Rounding rules in DIN 1333 must be observed. For a complete description of a measurement result therefore comprises of the description about possible differences (DIN 1319-1 ). The error analysis is concerned with quantitative statements about the measurement result at random measurement errors with normal distribution.

In a physical / technical measurement, there are a number of error sources, which divides it into two categories:

Systematic deviations are unidirectional, they are always the same for repeated measurements under the same conditions. In principle, they are manageable and correctable. Random deviations vary in sign and magnitude, even with repeated measurements under the same conditions. They are not only manageable and assessable. See also error limits, error propagation.

The error of measurement is stated as absolute or relative deviation.

• The absolute difference is the same as the difference Y - X; it is expressed in the same units as the measured variable.
• The relative deviation is related to the measure of deviation ( Y - X) / X; they often expressed as a percent.

Both sizes have unique sign; they may be occasionally positive or negative.

Software

Errors associated with software produced by

• Defective, not task- appropriate program specification
• Poor ergonomics ( usability )
• Incorrect data input, eg wrong operation or other application error: A program can only correct input also supply a correct output. In addition to this core function, which often follows the IPO principle, a robust program must also deal with all foreseeable incorrect entries though. In this case, the user should by appropriate and unambiguous as possible for the user to understand information in the form of error messages are given to what he is doing wrong, or where the cause of the incorrect entry is. These error messages can ( also ) be visual on the screen, acoustic or continuously in a same continuous error log.

Thinking, planning, action

In psychology and action theory, a distinction is thinking, planning and action errors. They serve as a basis for the explanation of human errors in technical and social systems.

Information transfer

• The error linguistics examines mistakes in speaking and reading.
• The digital data transmission using error correction methods.
• When passing on the genetic information during cell division, the function of the cell and an organism may suffer, but also improve.

Play

In one game, a fault is a play or an act that usually causes a loss or reduction in profit. An error can be play crucial, but often offset by other actions. Savielly Tartakower: " The mistakes are all there, they just need to be made ​​. "

Error and legal

The law on the one hand deals with errors in the legislation ( eg so-called loopholes in the law or error of law ), on the other hand, with such application of the law, eg procedural errors.

In its protective function, the law is concerned, however, with errors of things or in human behavior, which constitute a hazard or damage to health, property and other property or interests, errors that affect the proper use of an object or performance of a contract or prevent and others. Errors usually lead to damage, so are questions of damage prevention, damage control and the liability of importance. The actual legal concept of error indicates a deviation of the Istbeschaffenheit an object of purchase or a work of his presupposed according to the contract target texture.

Exist depending on the hazard potential of different legal standards that impose the burden of proving the existence of a failure the tortfeasor or the injured. see also: liability, product liability, deficiency, contract law

Contrast, avoidance strategies

Controlling

In controlling, there are three types of errors in the analysis of variance causes:

Error culture

Through awareness of the possibility and the establishment and maintenance of a ( "healthy" ) Error Culture error rates can be reduced, increasing the motivation for each activity as well as the productivity and error costs are minimized.

Dealing with errors is an essential feature of sustainable management and thus economic success.

Special error

• Intentional errors
• Spelling mistakes, faux pas, mistake, flaw