Ranks and Positions
Operations
| Operations managers are responsible for meeting the conflicting demands of finite resources available aboard a starship. |
The increasing complexity of Starfleet vessels leads to an increased reliance on automated systems that are capable of monitoring their own performance, often with the ability to rectify any problems that may develop. The majority of shipboard activity is reliant on the main computer system, but the need to keep a crewmember in the decision-making loop is met with the introduction of the Operations manager. Most classes of starship feature a dedicated work station on the main bridge that is designed to allow the Operations manager to carry out their primary duties. These include controlling the various departmental functions running during a mission, and assigning the most efficient use of resources. |
| The need for the operations station increases on a research vessel, as various simultaneous scientific and engineering operations may present conflicting requirements for the same resource, requiring a hierarchical decision of use to be made and implemented. A great deal of the allocation will be carried out at the level of importance determined by the Operations manager. | |
| Artificial intelligence | The Operations manager is extremely reliant on artificial intelligence subroutines built into the main computer network to carry out the majority of the routine work. Tasks such as the routing of power and sensor usage to different departments are handled by the main computer, although the allocation of such resources is often decided by the officer in charge. |
| The Operations manager has at their disposal a series of readouts that give a continually updated list of current shipboard activities, allowing him to prioritize resources on request or alter the balance in cases of emergency or potentially dangerous situations |