Alarm and Automation Impact
Project ID: 201901
This project provides data on the improvement in both operator and plant performance with upset automation (safe-park) and state-based alarming
Alarm Formatting
Project ID: 201302
Is there a better way to display alarms on your HMI? This project attempted, and failed, to create a method different than what was currently being used by members. However, findings showed there are ways to improve alarm identification using methods already existing in most DCSs.
Alarm Sounds Phase II Part 2
Project ID: 201904
Building on a previous project that determined that existing alarm sounds were often hard to localize, hear and learn, this project focused on the creation of new alarms sounds that would better meet the needs of our console operators. Twelve new sets of alarm sounds, developed by experts in the field of alarms, are available to members for download and implementation.
Alarm Tones
Project ID: 201604
Do your console operators have a hard time identifying alarms? This report explains why.
APC Impact
Project ID: 202002
This project examined the impact of APC use, focusing specifically on whether its use degrades operator skills over time.
Board Field Collaboration
Project ID: 201806
Improve collaboration between your board (console) and field operators with these findings.
CRM Needs Analysis
Project ID: 202101
This project investigated how teams, specifically operations and maintenance teams, work together in a plant setting. The project resulted in a toolkit members can use to support the development of teamwork, empowerment, and psychological safety in the workplace.
CTA for APC, Phase II
Project ID:
This is a potential project that would help to determine the right information to include in an APC graphic and how can we better train our console operators to use that information.
Data Entry Devices
Project ID: 201306
Ramp, slider, or manual entry? What is the best way to enter data in the DCS?
Data to Information (DTI) II
Project ID: 201403
Capitalizing on COP member experts in process control, distributed control systems, and human factors, this internal project produced the Data to Information (DTI) Handbook, an invaluable tool for designing graphics to provide operators the right information, in the right format, at the right time.
Decision Aids
Project ID: 201002
Task performance is affected by the job aid used. Labeling, procedure, diagrams, checklists…which is best?
Decision Making Exercises (DMX)
Project ID: 200703
This project explored the application of low-fidelity Decision Making Exercises to fill the gap in training simulators and directly target assessment, problem detection, and decision-making skills. These exercises were found to be both appropriate and very effective in our industry.
Display Content I
Project ID: 200903
Technique can be used to: Support display design for decision making. Support organization of information into hierarchies. Support investigating differences among operators (e.g. novice vs experts) to support identification of knowledge gaps and training. Be combined with other data gathering methods for more robust information, including data related to actual screen usage and eye tracking patterns.
DTI Update: Displaying Automated Control Functions
Project ID: 202103
A COP group will continue enhancement of the DTI handbook by adding info about how to display Automated Control Functions (think APC).
EPM User's Manual
Project ID:
This is a potential project that would develop easy-to-use instructions for the Event Prediction tool.
Event Prediction I
Project ID: 200902
This was our first attempt at using DCS data to predict abnormal events. While unsuccessful, it helped inform subsequent Event Prediction projects.
Event Prediction II
Project ID: 201103
This project got us a step closer to our final Event Prediction tool.
Event Prediction III
Project ID: 201304
Third time is the charm! This project created a method that successfully identified a compressor surge two hours prior to the event! However, the display type was problematic, so we went back to the drawing board.
Event Prediction IV
Project ID: 201401
Eureka! Over the course of four projects, a method and tool were created that accurately predict abnormal events prior to the event happening. The tool works but implementing it can be tricky.
Expert Operator
Project ID: 200601
The results of this effort may be applied to several areas including the development and evaluation of training, the design of new technologies, and the evaluation of operator performance. Further data collection is needed to expand on information and create more detailed expert profiles.
Experts Use of Display Cues I
Project ID: 201101
How do operators use key cues to make decisions? This study was inconclusive but led us to a follow-on project using more experienced operators.
Experts Use of Display Cues II
Project ID: 201104
How do operators make decisions? This project attempted to find a pattern to how an operator uses cues, but it was discovered that evaluating trends was their preferred method.
Fatigue Data Mining
Project ID: 201005
This project used data mining in an attempt to validate the API755 standard. The hypothesis tested was that consecutive working days has no impact on the number of incidents.
Furniture Impact
Project ID:
Do you wonder if different furniture choices can help a console operator stay alert? This potential project will attempt to answer that question.
Hand-helds
Project ID: 201303
Handhelds are cool new tech, but how do we best use them? This project tells us more about what should (and shouldn’t) be displayed on a handheld.
Impact of Procedure Detail
Project ID: 202401
Procedures need to guide an operator through a task, but how much detail is TOO much detail? Does the level of detail effect procedure compliance and if so, how? This project will provide those answers.
Incident Database Mining
Project ID: 201402
We attempted to use public data to identify human factors issues in industry incidents. However, we found that poor categorization made it hard to determine specifics.
Knowledge Management
Project ID: 200901
This project led to the development of Semantic Procedure Analyzer that can read procedures and convert into a tabular format. This tool can be used for procedure automation or creating easier to use procedure modules.
Large Screen Performance I
Project ID: 201203
Does using a large screen in your control room make a difference in time to accomplish a task?
Large Screen Performance II
Project ID: 201205
One large screen or two smaller screens? Which is more effective?
Large Screen Survey
Project ID: 201405
We surveyed our members to find out how they were using large screens in control rooms. The results were interesting.
Mental Models
Project ID: 201602
Can you identify gaps and correct a mental model? This study attempted to do that.
Mental Models-ARA
Project ID: 201102
Can you objectify an operator’s mental model and use it to train others?
Operator Workspace
Project ID: 201502
How many screens do your operators really need? This study attempted to create an algorithm to help you decide.
Potential Projects List
Project ID:
Here’s where we keep all our project ideas. Look through and see if there’s a project that you’d like to be a part of!
Procedure Analyzer
Project ID: 201004
We found that procedures are very repetitive. Using a procedure analyzer can help identify what text is used multiple times. Having these “chunks” can make procedure creation and maintenance easier.
Procedure Modularization
Project ID: 201703
This project attempted, but failed, to create a tool to recreate procedures that were modularized with the SPA tool.
Procedure Warnings
Project ID: 201503
Do operators (including those non-native English speakers) have an easier time with procedures that contain warning symbols in addition to just text? This project answered that question.
Teaming Initiative
Project ID: 202402
This project is investigating the implementation of the tools developed during the CRM Needs Analysis project, with a focus on the important role front line supervisors play in "teaming" among workgroups.
Time Away from Job
Project ID:
This potential project is aimed at quantifying how long an operator can be away from a job before losing the knowledge and skills required for qualification.
Working Subgroup - Methods to enhance usefulness of ISA 18.2 alarm standard
Project ID: 202403W
Trying to implement ISA’s Alarm Management standard? This working subgroup is exploring why it’s difficult to implement and identifying options to make implementation easier with the ultimate goal of documenting recommended practices.
Working Subgroup - Technology Adoption in Manufacturing Environments
Project ID: 202202W
Implementing new technology but worried that your operators may not adapt? This working subgroup created a guide to help tailor your approach to helping operators understand the whys and hows of technology implementation.