Fast, Cheap, and Out of Control: Why We Build Systems That Fail
Fast, Cheap, and Out of Control: Why We Build Systems That Fail
In his book "Fast, Cheap, and Out of Control: Why We Build Systems That Fail," Amyas Gerstner takes a deep dive into the world of complex systems, exploring why they often fail to meet our expectations. Gerstner argues that we are often too focused on speed and cost, at the expense of safety and reliability. He draws on a wide range of examples, from the collapse of the World Trade Center to the BP oil spill, to illustrate his points.
The Dangers of Speed and Cost
Gerstner begins by arguing that our obsession with speed and cost is a major contributing factor to system failures. We want things done quickly and cheaply, and we are often willing to sacrifice safety and reliability in order to achieve these goals. This can lead to disastrous consequences, as Gerstner shows in his examples.
For instance, the collapse of the World Trade Center was in part due to the fact that the buildings were designed to be as tall and light as possible, in order to save money and time. This made them more vulnerable to collapse when they were hit by airplanes.
Similarly, the BP oil spill was caused by a series of cost-cutting measures that led to the failure of a critical safety system. Gerstner argues that these failures are not isolated incidents, but rather are symptoms of a systemic problem.
The Complexity of Complex Systems
Gerstner goes on to argue that complex systems are inherently difficult to understand and control. They are made up of many different components that interact in complex ways, and it is often difficult to predict how they will behave. This can lead to unexpected failures, even when systems are designed with the best intentions.
For example, the Therac-25, a radiation therapy machine, was involved in several accidents that resulted in patient deaths. These accidents were caused by a software bug that allowed the machine to deliver a lethal dose of radiation. The bug was not detected during testing, because the machine was tested in a simplified environment that did not accurately simulate the real world.
The Need for a Systems Approach
Gerstner argues that we need to take a systems approach to designing and managing complex systems. This means understanding the system as a whole, and taking into account all of the interactions between its different components. We also need to be willing to invest in safety and reliability, even if it means sacrificing some speed and cost.
Gerstner concludes by calling for a new way of thinking about complex systems. We need to move away from our obsession with speed and cost, and focus on creating systems that are safe, reliable, and sustainable.
Why You Should Read This Book
"Fast, Cheap, and Out of Control" is a must-read for anyone who is interested in understanding why complex systems fail. Gerstner's insights are valuable for anyone who works in engineering, design, or management. The book is also a fascinating read for anyone who is simply interested in the world around them.
Gerstner's writing is clear and engaging, and he does an excellent job of explaining complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand. The book is full of real-world examples that illustrate the points that Gerstner is making.
If you are looking for a book that will challenge your thinking about complex systems, then I highly recommend "Fast, Cheap, and Out of Control." It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.