Control Room Consolidation Part 2, Operating Factors by Invensys

In process and discrete manufacturing plants, control systems may run the machines, but it's the control rooms that can run the operators and managers who need to keep the plants producing at peak efficiency. Choosing the right control system, deciding on the best operating and alarm procedures,  and  designing useful HMI screens are obvious and crucial factors. In Part 1, Bob Shepard identified operating factors to consider when consolidating a group of distributed control rooms, or when evaluating current control rooms for optimum operational accuracy and efficiency. In Part 2  he discusses design and systemic elements that can hinder or enhance productivity and affect process safety and risk management. These include informational noise and other distractions (including alarm system factors), communication, control system (DCS) environmental factors, and control room architecture.