Safety Management Systems in Aviation
Expert-defined terms from the Graduate Certificate in Aviation Safety Investigation course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Accident – An event in which an aircraft sustains damage or a person suff… #
Related terms: incident, occurrence. Example: A runway overrun that destroys the aircraft. Practical application: Accident investigation triggers corrective actions in the SMS. Challenge: Determining root causes amidst complex operational data.
Accident Investigation Board (AIB) – A statutory body tasked with conduct… #
Related terms: investigative authority, safety board. Example: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States. Practical application: AIB findings feed into safety recommendations. Challenge: Balancing thoroughness with timeliness.
Action Plan – A documented set of tasks, responsibilities, and timelines… #
Related terms: corrective action, remediation. Example: Implementing new crew resource management training after a near‑miss. Practical application: Tracks progress of safety improvements. Challenge: Ensuring resources and accountability for execution.
Airworthiness Directive (AD) – A mandatory instruction issued by a civil… #
Related terms: service bulletin, compliance. Example: AD requiring replacement of a specific wing bolt after fatigue cracking. Practical application: Integrates into the maintenance tracking system of the SMS. Challenge: Managing fleet‑wide compliance within operational constraints.
Airworthiness Management System (AMS) – A subset of the SMS focused on en… #
Related terms: maintenance program, compliance. Example: Use of electronic logbooks to monitor airframe inspections. Practical application: Aligns maintenance actions with safety objectives. Challenge: Coordinating AMS data with broader safety reporting.
Alarm Management – The process of designing, configuring, and maintaining… #
Related terms: human factors, alert fatigue. Example: Prioritizing cockpit alerts to avoid overload. Practical application: Reduces unnecessary distractions for flight crews. Challenge: Balancing sensitivity with specificity to avoid nuisance alarms.
Audit – A systematic, independent examination of an organization’s proces… #
Related terms: internal audit, compliance audit. Example: Conducting an SMS audit to verify that hazard reporting procedures are followed. Practical application: Provides assurance of SMS effectiveness. Challenge: Maintaining objectivity while integrating audit findings into continuous improvement.
Auditor – An individual or team responsible for planning and executing au… #
Related terms: audit lead, reviewer. Example: A certified safety auditor reviewing an airline’s risk assessment documentation. Practical application: Supplies expertise to identify gaps. Challenge: Ensuring auditors possess both technical knowledge and independence.
Authority – The civil aviation regulator that establishes, enforces, and… #
Related terms: regulatory body, oversight. Example: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Practical application: Sets the legal framework for SMS implementation. Challenge: Aligning national regulations with international standards.
Behavior‑Based Safety (BBS) – An approach that focuses on observing and m… #
Related terms: human performance, proactive safety. Example: Monitoring ground crew adherence to safety checklists. Practical application: Provides data for targeted training. Challenge: Avoiding punitive perceptions and ensuring consistent observation.
CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) – A systematic process to address… #
Related terms: root cause analysis, remediation. Example: Issuing a CAPA after a runway incursion to revise taxi procedures. Practical application: Closes the loop between detection and improvement. Challenge: Tracking effectiveness over time.
Certificate of Airworthiness – An official document confirming that an ai… #
Related terms: type certificate, registration. Example: The certificate issued after a successful compliance inspection. Practical application: Enables legal operation of the aircraft. Challenge: Maintaining compliance throughout the aircraft’s life cycle.
Change Management – The structured approach to transitioning individuals,… #
Related terms: configuration control, implementation. Example: Introducing a new electronic flight bag (EFB) across the fleet. Practical application: Minimizes disruption and risk during system upgrades. Challenge: Managing resistance and ensuring training adequacy.
Communication Protocol – Established procedures for transmitting safety i… #
Related terms: reporting channel, information flow. Example: Standardized email format for hazard submissions. Practical application: Ensures clarity, traceability, and timely dissemination. Challenge: Overcoming language barriers and information overload.
Confidentiality – The principle that safety information submitted by empl… #
Related terms: non‑punitive reporting, anonymity. Example: A pilot submitting a safety concern without fear of disciplinary action. Practical application: Encourages reporting of near‑misses. Challenge: Balancing confidentiality with the need for investigation.
Configuration Management – The process of controlling and documenting cha… #
Related terms: baseline, revision control. Example: Updating the aircraft wiring diagram after a modification. Practical application: Prevents inadvertent introduction of hazards. Challenge: Keeping documentation synchronized with field changes.
Continuous Improvement – An ongoing effort to enhance safety performance… #
Related terms: PDCA cycle, incremental change. Example: Using monthly safety performance metrics to refine training programs. Practical application: Drives long‑term risk reduction. Challenge: Maintaining momentum and avoiding complacency.
Corrective Action – A specific step taken to eliminate the cause of a det… #
Related terms: CAPA, remedial measure. Example: Re‑training staff after a checklist omission. Practical application: Directly addresses identified weaknesses. Challenge: Verifying that the action fully resolves the issue.
Criticality Assessment – The evaluation of the potential impact of a fail… #
Related terms: risk assessment, FMECA. Example: Assessing the loss of a primary navigation system on a commercial aircraft. Practical application: Prioritizes resources toward high‑risk items. Challenge: Quantifying uncertainty in complex systems.
Culture of Safety – An organizational environment where safety is valued,… #
Related terms: just culture, safety climate. Example: Management regularly participates in safety briefings. Practical application: Enhances reporting and proactive risk management. Challenge: Shifting entrenched attitudes and behaviors.
Data Mining – The process of extracting patterns, trends, and anomalies f… #
Related terms: analytics, trend analysis. Example: Identifying a spike in runway excursion reports during wet conditions. Practical application: Supports evidence‑based decision making. Challenge: Ensuring data quality and relevance.
Decision‑Making Model – A structured framework that guides the selection… #
Related terms: risk matrix, multi‑criteria analysis. Example: Choosing between upgrading avionics or improving crew training. Practical application: Promotes transparent and rational choices. Challenge: Balancing quantitative and qualitative inputs.
Decline Management – Strategies used to address decreasing safety perform… #
Related terms: performance monitoring, corrective strategy. Example: Implementing a focused safety campaign after a rise in bird strikes. Practical application: Reverses negative trends before they become systemic. Challenge: Detecting early signals with sufficient lead time.
Designated Safety Officer (DSO) – The individual responsible for overseei… #
Related terms: SMS manager, safety champion. Example: A DSO coordinating hazard reporting and risk assessment activities. Practical application: Provides leadership and accountability. Challenge: Ensuring the DSO has authority and resources.
Documentation Control – The systematic management of safety documents, en… #
Related terms: record keeping, version control. Example: Maintaining an up‑to‑date SMS manual on a secure intranet. Practical application: Guarantees consistency across the organization. Challenge: Preventing uncontrolled distribution of outdated procedures.
Emergency Response Plan (ERP) – A predefined set of actions to be taken i… #
Related terms: contingency plan, crisis management. Example: Coordinating fire‑fighter access and passenger evacuation after a cabin fire. Practical application: Minimizes loss of life and property. Challenge: Regularly rehearsing and updating the plan.
Engineering Safety – The application of engineering principles to identif… #
Related terms: structural integrity, reliability engineering. Example: Conducting fatigue analysis on wing spars. Practical application: Embeds safety into technical processes. Challenge: Integrating safety considerations early in the design cycle.
Event‑Based Reporting – The submission of safety information triggered by… #
Related terms: hazard reporting, incident log. Example: A crew member logs a runway incursion as an event report. Practical application: Provides data for trend analysis. Challenge: Ensuring consistent classification and completeness.
External Audit – An independent review performed by an organization outsi… #
Related terms: third‑party audit, compliance verification. Example: An ICAO audit of an airline’s SMS. Practical application: Validates conformity to international standards. Challenge: Coordinating schedules and addressing audit findings.
FAR (Federal Aviation Regulations) – The body of U #
S. Aviation regulations governing all aspects of civil aviation, including safety management. Related terms: regulatory framework, 14 CFR. Example: Part 121 requirements for airline operators. Practical application: Provides mandatory requirements that SMS must meet. Challenge: Interpreting and integrating evolving regulations.
FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) – A systematic, proactive metho… #
Related terms: risk assessment, reliability analysis. Example: Analyzing possible failures of an autopilot system. Practical application: Identifies critical failure modes for mitigation. Challenge: Requires detailed system knowledge and cross‑functional input.
Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) – The collection and analysis of flight para… #
Related terms: flight operational quality assurance, data analytics. Example: Using FDM to identify excessive bank angles during approach. Practical application: Provides objective safety data for pilot performance improvement. Challenge: Managing large data volumes while protecting privacy.
Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) – A program that uses flight d… #
Related terms: FDM, safety performance monitoring. Example: FOQA identifies trends in high‑speed descents. Practical application: Drives corrective training and procedural revisions. Challenge: Integrating FOQA findings with other safety data sources.
Hazard – A condition that has the potential to cause an accident, inciden… #
Related terms: risk, unsafe condition. Example: A malfunctioning landing‑gear sensor. Practical application: Hazards are logged, analyzed, and mitigated through the SMS. Challenge: Recognizing latent hazards before they manifest.
Hazard Identification – The systematic process of discovering hazards thr… #
Related terms: risk identification, safety scanning. Example: Conducting a safety walk‑around of the ramp area. Practical application: Feeds the risk assessment pipeline. Challenge: Overcoming under‑reporting and cognitive biases.
Hazard Reporting System – The mechanism through which personnel submit sa… #
Related terms: reporting channel, safety hotline. Example: An online portal where crew can log a runway excursion. Practical application: Captures data for analysis and action. Challenge: Ensuring ease of use and anonymity.
Human Factors – The discipline that studies how humans interact with equi… #
Related terms: ergonomics, crew resource management. Example: Designing cockpit displays to reduce information overload. Practical application: Informs training, design, and procedural changes. Challenge: Integrating human‑centred design in legacy systems.
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) – A United Nations speci… #
Related terms: global standards, SARPs. Example: ICAO Annex 19 on accident and incident reporting. Practical application: Provides the baseline for national SMS regulations. Challenge: Harmonizing divergent national implementations.
Incident – An occurrence, other than an accident, that affects or could a… #
Related terms: near‑miss, safety event. Example: A loss of cabin pressure that is quickly corrected. Practical application: Incident data supports trend analysis and preventive actions. Challenge: Differentiating severity levels for reporting consistency.
Integrated Safety Management System (iSMS) – A comprehensive SMS that com… #
Related terms: systems integration, enterprise safety. Example: An airline that merges its SMS with its quality management system. Practical application: Reduces duplication and aligns objectives. Challenge: Managing cross‑departmental coordination.
International Safety Management (ISM) Code – ICAO’s standard requiring op… #
Related terms: ISM, safety regulation. Example: An airline obtaining an ISM certificate after audit. Practical application: Sets minimum safety management expectations globally. Challenge: Interpreting the Code’s broad provisions into actionable procedures.
Key Performance Indicator (KPI) – A measurable value used to evaluate the… #
Related terms: metric, safety performance indicator. Example: Number of safety reports per 1,000 flight hours. Practical application: Enables monitoring of safety trends and goal attainment. Challenge: Selecting indicators that truly reflect safety outcomes.
Leadership Commitment – The visible support and involvement of senior man… #
Related terms: top‑down engagement, safety governance. Example: Executives attending safety briefings and allocating budget. Practical application: Sets the tone for a safety culture. Challenge: Translating commitment into tangible resources.
Lesson Learned – Knowledge gained from past incidents or investigations t… #
Related terms: knowledge transfer, best practice. Example: Disseminating findings from a runway excursion to all operators. Practical application: Improves training curricula and procedures. Challenge: Capturing, storing, and ensuring accessibility of lessons.
Level‑1 Safety Management System – The foundational SMS structure require… #
Related terms: basic SMS, entry‑level safety. Example: A small charter operator implementing a simple hazard log. Practical application: Provides a starting point for progressive safety maturity. Challenge: Scaling the system as operations grow.
Level‑2 Safety Management System – An enhanced SMS that includes performa… #
Related terms: advanced SMS, mature safety system. Example: An airline that conducts regular safety audits and trend analyses. Practical application: Enables proactive risk reduction. Challenge: Maintaining data integrity and analytical capability.
Level‑3 Safety Management System – The highest maturity SMS characterized… #
Related terms: optimised SMS, safety excellence. Example: Using machine‑learning models to predict high‑risk flight phases. Practical application: Anticipates hazards before they manifest. Challenge: Requiring sophisticated technology and skilled personnel.
Loss of Function – A situation where a system or component fails to perfo… #
Related terms: failure, degradation. Example: Failure of an anti‑skid braking system. Practical application: Triggers immediate corrective action and risk assessment. Challenge: Detecting subtle degradations before catastrophic loss.
Management of Change (MoC) – Formal process for evaluating, approving, an… #
Related terms: change control, configuration management. Example: Introducing a new flight‑deck software update. Practical application: Ensures hazards associated with change are identified and mitigated. Challenge: Avoiding shortcuts during high‑pressure periods.
Management Review – A periodic, top‑level evaluation of the SMS’s perform… #
Related terms: board meeting, strategic assessment. Example: Annual review of safety objectives and resource allocation. Practical application: Adjusts policies and resources based on performance data. Challenge: Ensuring objective assessment and follow‑through on decisions.
Mitigation – Actions taken to reduce the likelihood or severity of a risk #
Related terms: risk reduction, control measure. Example: Installing runway overrun protection systems. Practical application: Lowers residual risk to an acceptable level. Challenge: Assessing effectiveness and avoiding unintended consequences.
Near‑Miss – An event that could have led to an accident but did not, eith… #
Related terms: incident, close call. Example: A pilot’s last‑minute correction to avoid a collision on the taxiway. Practical application: Provides valuable data for proactive safety improvement. Challenge: Encouraging reporting without fear of blame.
Non‑Conformance – A deviation from established standards, procedures, or… #
Related terms: non‑compliance, defect. Example: A maintenance log missing required signatures. Practical application: Triggers corrective action and possible CAPA. Challenge: Identifying non‑conformances early and preventing recurrence.
Operational Risk – The probability that a hazard will lead to an adverse… #
Related terms: risk, safety risk. Example: The risk of runway excursion during heavy rain given current runway condition monitoring. Practical application: Informs prioritization of safety resources. Challenge: Quantifying risk in dynamic operational environments.
Operational Safety Audit (OSA) – A focused examination of operational pro… #
Related terms: operational review, safety inspection. Example: Auditing crew briefings for adherence to standard operating procedures. Practical application: Detects gaps in daily operations. Challenge: Conducting audits without disrupting normal activity.
Operational Safety Management (OSM) – The day‑to‑day activities that impl… #
Related terms: SMS implementation, safety execution. Example: Routine safety meetings on the flight deck. Practical application: Embeds safety into routine tasks. Challenge: Maintaining consistency across diverse operational units.
Organizational Structure – The hierarchy and functional relationships tha… #
Related terms: organigram, governance. Example: A matrix structure where safety officers report both to operations and to the safety department. Practical application: Clarifies accountability for safety tasks. Challenge: Avoiding ambiguous lines of authority.
Performance Indicator – A metric used to assess the level of achievement… #
Related terms: KPI, safety metric. Example: Percentage of safety training completed on schedule. Practical application: Provides measurable feedback on safety initiatives. Challenge: Selecting indicators that drive desired behavior.
Preventive Maintenance – Scheduled maintenance activities designed to avo… #
Related terms: routine inspection, reliability. Example: Regular engine oil changes per manufacturer recommendations. Practical application: Reduces probability of unscheduled failures. Challenge: Balancing maintenance intervals with operational demand.
Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) – A quantitative technique that estim… #
Related terms: risk modeling, statistical analysis. Example: Calculating the probability of a catastrophic engine failure during cruise. Practical application: Supports decision‑making for safety investments. Challenge: Requires extensive data and modeling expertise.
Process Mapping – Visual representation of workflow steps to identify ine… #
Related terms: flowchart, value‑stream analysis. Example: Mapping the aircraft release process from maintenance to flight. Practical application: Highlights points where errors may be introduced. Challenge: Keeping maps current as processes evolve.
Quality Assurance (QA) – Systematic activities to ensure that processes m… #
Related terms: quality control, compliance. Example: Auditing maintenance records for completeness. Practical application: Supports safety by ensuring consistency. Challenge: Integrating QA with safety without duplication.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) – Structured investigation technique used to id… #
Related terms: causal factor, fishbone diagram. Example: Using the “5 Whys” to uncover why a brake failure occurred. Practical application: Guides effective corrective actions. Challenge: Avoiding superficial conclusions and focusing on systemic issues.
Safety Assurance – The systematic process of monitoring, measuring, and e… #
Related terms: safety verification, performance monitoring. Example: Tracking the number of safety reports against a target. Practical application: Provides confidence that controls are effective. Challenge: Maintaining robust data collection and analysis.
Safety Culture – The collective values, attitudes, and behaviors that det… #
Example: Employees feel comfortable reporting errors without fear of retaliation. Practical application: Drives proactive reporting and continuous improvement. Challenge: Measuring culture and effecting change.
Safety Management System (SMS) – A formal, organized approach to managing… #
Related terms: ISM, safety framework. Example: An airline’s SMS integrates hazard reporting, risk assessment, and performance monitoring. Practical application: Provides a structured method to achieve safety objectives. Challenge: Maintaining integration across all operational areas.
Safety Objective – A measurable goal that reflects the organization’s des… #
Related terms: target, safety goal. Example: Reduce runway excursions by 30 % within two years. Practical application: Guides resource allocation and initiatives. Challenge: Setting realistic yet ambitious objectives.
Safety Promotion – Activities designed to raise awareness, disseminate sa… #
Related terms: communication, training. Example: Monthly safety newsletters highlighting recent incidents. Practical application: Encourages a proactive safety mindset. Challenge: Ensuring messages reach and engage all personnel.
Safety Reporting System – The infrastructure that collects, stores, and f… #
Example: A web‑based platform that logs and tracks safety reports. Practical application: Centralizes data for analysis. Challenge: Maintaining confidentiality and preventing data loss.
Safety Risk – The combination of the likelihood of a hazard occurring and… #
Related terms: risk, exposure. Example: The risk of a tire burst during take‑off under high‑temperature conditions. Practical application: Prioritizes mitigation efforts. Challenge: Accurately estimating both probability and impact.
Safety Target – A specific, time‑bound benchmark used to gauge progress t… #
Related terms: goal, KPI. Example: Achieve a 95 % compliance rate with safety training by year‑end. Practical application: Provides clear performance expectations. Challenge: Aligning targets with operational realities.
Safety Ticket – A documented corrective action assigned to an individual… #
Related terms: CAPA, corrective action. Example: A ticket issued to modify a checklist after a procedural lapse. Practical application: Tracks responsibility and completion status. Challenge: Preventing ticket backlog and ensuring closure.
Safety Training – Structured educational programs that develop knowledge,… #
Related terms: crew resource management, competency. Example: Simulator sessions focusing on emergency procedures. Practical application: Enhances proficiency and awareness. Challenge: Keeping training current with evolving threats.
Safety Verification – The process of confirming that safety controls are… #
Related terms: audit, inspection. Example: Verifying that a newly installed fire‑extinguishing system meets certification standards. Practical application: Provides confidence in control effectiveness. Challenge: Conducting verification without disrupting operations.
Safety Zone – A designated area within an operation where heightened safe… #
Related terms: high‑risk area, restricted zone. Example: The vicinity of a runway during low‑visibility conditions. Practical application: Implements additional checks and communications. Challenge: Maintaining awareness and compliance among all personnel.
Safety‑Critical Function – An operation or system whose failure would res… #
Related terms: critical system, essential function. Example: Pressurization control during high‑altitude flight. Practical application: Requires rigorous design, testing, and monitoring. Challenge: Allocating sufficient resources for validation.
Scenario‑Based Training – Instruction that uses realistic operational sit… #
Related terms: simulation, experiential learning. Example: Conducting a crew exercise on an unexpected engine shutdown. Practical application: Enhances readiness for real‑world events. Challenge: Designing scenarios that accurately reflect operational complexity.
Security Management System (SeMS) – A framework that addresses threats to… #
Related terms: risk management, threat assessment. Example: Implementing access‑control procedures for airport personnel. Practical application: Provides a coordinated approach to safety and security. Challenge: Balancing security measures with operational efficiency.
Service Bulletin (SB) – A manufacturer‑issued document that recommends mo… #
Related terms: AD, maintenance directive. Example: An SB suggesting replacement of a fuel pump after a specific flight hour threshold. Practical application: Informs proactive maintenance planning. Challenge: Determining when an SB becomes mandatory.
Significant Hazard – A hazard that, based on its risk assessment, require… #
Related terms: high‑risk hazard, priority issue. Example: A recurring runway incursion at a busy airport. Practical application: Triggers expedited corrective actions. Challenge: Distinguishing significance amid numerous minor hazards.
Software Configuration Management (SCM) – The discipline of controlling c… #
Related terms: version control, change management. Example: Managing updates to flight‑deck avionics software. Practical application: Prevents introduction of software‑related safety issues. Challenge: Coordinating updates across multiple aircraft types.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) – A documented set of step‑by‑step ins… #
Related terms: procedure, work instruction. Example: SOP for pre‑flight cockpit checks. Practical application: Reduces variability and error. Challenge: Keeping SOPs current with evolving technology.
Strategic Safety Planning – Long‑term development of safety goals, resour… #
Related terms: strategic plan, safety roadmap. Example: A five‑year plan to achieve Level‑3 SMS maturity. Practical application: Guides investment and prioritization. Challenge: Adapting plans to changing regulatory or market conditions.
Stakeholder Engagement – The process of involving all interested parties… #
Related terms: communication, collaboration. Example: Involving pilots, maintenance crews, and regulators in a safety workshop. Practical application: Improves buy‑in and shared responsibility. Challenge: Reconciling differing priorities and perspectives.
System Safety Assessment (SSA) – An analysis that evaluates the safety of… #
Related terms: FMEA, hazard analysis. Example: Conducting an SSA for a new aircraft type before entry into service. Practical application: Demonstrates compliance with safety standards. Challenge: Managing the extensive data required for comprehensive assessment.
Threat and Error Management (TEM) – A framework that identifies threats,… #
Related terms: human factors, safety management. Example: Using TEM to analyze crew performance during a delayed approach. Practical application: Provides structured debriefing and learning. Challenge: Ensuring consistent application across all crews.
Training Needs Analysis (TNA) – The systematic identification of gaps bet… #
Related terms: skill gap, competency assessment. Example: Evaluating pilots’ proficiency with new autopilot modes. Practical application: Directs training resources effectively. Challenge: Accurately assessing skill levels in dynamic environments.
Trend Analysis – The statistical examination of safety data over time to… #
Related terms: data analytics, performance monitoring. Example: Detecting an upward trend in bird‑strike incidents during migration season. Practical application: Guides preventive measures. Challenge: Distinguishing meaningful trends from random variation.
Trip‑Based Risk Assessment – Evaluation of safety risks associated with a… #
Related terms: operational risk, mission analysis. Example: Assessing risk for a night‑time cargo flight over mountainous terrain. Practical application: Informs flight planning and mitigation strategies. Challenge: Incorporating all relevant variables in a timely manner.
UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) – An aircraft without a pilot aboard, cont… #
Related terms: drones, remotely piloted aircraft. Example: Using a UAS for runway inspection. Practical application: Expands safety monitoring capabilities. Challenge: Integrating UAS operations within existing airspace safety frameworks.
Upper‑Level Safety Policy – The overarching safety statement approved by… #
Related terms: policy, safety charter. Example: A declaration that “Safety is our first priority.” Practical application: Sets the foundation for all safety activities. Challenge: Translating high‑level policy into actionable procedures.
Verification and Validation (V&V) – Processes that confirm a system meets… #
Related terms: testing, certification. Example: Verifying that a new navigation system complies with standards, then validating its operational use. Practical application: Ensures safety of new technologies before deployment. Challenge: Allocating sufficient time and resources for thorough V&V.
Vulnerability Assessment – The process of identifying weaknesses that cou… #
Related terms: risk assessment, threat analysis. Example: Assessing susceptibility of ground‑handling equipment to human error. Practical application: Prioritizes mitigation actions. Challenge: Keeping assessments up‑to‑date with evolving operational contexts.
Workload Management – Strategies to balance task demands with human capac… #
Related terms: human factors, task allocation. Example: Adjusting crew schedules to avoid fatigue during peak traffic periods. Practical application: Improves performance and reduces error rates. Challenge: Predicting workload spikes and allocating resources accordingly.