Human + Machine

The framework for optimal division of labor

Input → Throughput → Output

We systematically analyze each stage of work to identify the optimal division of labor between humans and machines—enhancing performance, reducing costs, and expanding capacity.

Input

What's needed to perform the job

Throughput

How the work gets done

Output

What the job produces

Input

What's Needed to Perform the Job

Knowledge & Skills

The expertise, training, and competencies required to perform the job effectively.

Regulatory & Compliance

Understanding and adherence to laws, regulations, and organizational policies.

Communication & Influence

The ability to convey information, persuade stakeholders, and build relationships.

Problem-Solving Capacity

The cognitive ability to analyze situations, identify solutions, and make decisions.

Resources & Tools

The physical, digital, and informational resources needed to complete work.

Throughput

How the Work Gets Done

Decision-Making

The process of evaluating options and choosing courses of action.

Information Processing

How data and information are collected, analyzed, and transformed into insights.

Creativity & Innovation

The generation of novel ideas, solutions, and approaches to work.

Coordination & Workflow

How tasks are sequenced, dependencies managed, and work orchestrated.

Adaptability & Learning

The ability to adjust to new situations, learn from experience, and improve performance.

Output

What the Job Produces

Deliverables

The tangible products, documents, or artifacts produced by the work.

Service & Support

The assistance, guidance, and problem resolution provided to stakeholders.

Decisions & Recommendations

The choices made and guidance provided as outcomes of the work.

Performance & Impact

The measurable results and value created by the work.

Knowledge Transfer

The sharing of expertise, insights, and learning with others.

The Labor Map™

Apply this framework to your organization with detailed job decompositions that identify specific Human + Machine collaboration opportunities.

Methodology

FeatureTowers (WTW) GGSMercer IPEKorn Ferry (Hay) MethodJo
MethodologyPoints-based; analytical and consistent approach to defining job size across an organization.Proprietary, customizable point-factor system; assesses value created within organizational context.Widely accepted point-factor approach; measures and compares jobs based on contribution to the organization.Decomposes jobs into Input → Throughput → Output stages to evaluate Human vs. Machine suitability for augmentation. Focuses on optimizing the division of labor.
Key Factors Evaluated
  • Functional knowledge
  • Business expertise
  • Leadership scope
  • Problem-solving complexity
  • Impact
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Impact
  • Communication
  • Innovation
  • Knowledge
  • Risk
  • Know-How
  • Problem Solving
  • Accountability
  • Working Conditions
  • Input: Knowledge/Skills, Compliance, Communication, Problem-Solving, Resources/Tools
  • Throughput: Decision-Making, Info Processing, Creativity, Coordination, Adaptability
  • Output: Deliverables, Service, Decisions, Performance, Knowledge Transfer
Purpose / OutcomeEstablishes job grades based on size/level, often tied to compensation structures. Typically uses up to 25 grades, adaptable based on org size/complexity.Establishes job value within context, often for compensation and internal equity. Flexible and tailored sizing.Establishes job grades based on contribution, widely used for compensation benchmarking. Adaptable to varying company sizes.Not a sizing/grading methodology. It's a way to look at work objectively to identify where Automation, AI, RPA, or Robotics will add value. It assesses the expected friction during implementation and informs strategies to preempt it. Applicable to any job.

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Discover how Human + Machine collaboration can transform your organization.