Researcher
Research institution
Champion
Focus team
Topic
Project status
Year ended
Project ID
202502
Why should I care about this project?

This project will help to determine the right information to include on an APC graphic and how can we better train our console operators to use that information.

Description

The research teams from Applied Decision Science and ShadowBox will be building on the results of a previous project “Cognitive Task Analysis for Advanced Process Control” to develop modifications to current best practices for APC Graphics and APC training in an effort to better support Console Operators understanding of APC functions.

Objective

APC systems are becoming more complex to improve process safety and lessen environmental impacts. The increased complexity of these systems is making it more challenging for operations to understand what is happening behind the scenes, to detect when they are malfunctioning and to troubleshoot the associated problems that may arise. This project will strive to improve both graphics and training best practices in order to better support console operator understanding of APC functions.

Driving questions

What characteristics of the operator-process system (displays, training, job aids, etc.) are needed to enable the console operator to maintain situation awareness while using APC? Within these characteristics, what are the detailed requirements (e.g., what skills and knowledge need to be trained, what information should be on the graphics and how should it be presented)?

Background

Advance process control is a program that continuously monitors key variables and adjusts numerous other variables to maximize plant or unit performance. Due to its complexity, APC often is considered a “black box” by many operators. Phase I “Cognitive Task Analysis for Advanced Process Control” studied a COP member site APC application. Operators, engineers, and supervisors were interviewed to develop an understanding of key decisions operators must make, and what makes these decisions difficult. An output of the Phase I project was a CTA guide for COP Members.

Deliverables

Task 1: Cognitive Task Analysis on Operation of Advance Process Control

The deliverable from Task 1is a briefing detailing the methods, findings, and implication for interface design and training, created, and delivered jointly by ShadowBox and ADS.

 

Task 2: Human-Machine Interface Design Recommendations

The deliverable from Task 2 will be led by ADS.  Details can be found on the CTA for APC, Phase II - Graphics webpage.

Task 3: Training Design Recommendations

The deliverable from Task 3 is a document containing design guidance for training console operators on understanding and using APC systems, and 2-3 cognitive tutorial modules. This deliverable will be led by ShadowBox.

Task 4: Refined Guide to Conducting Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA)

The deliverable from Task 4 will be led by ADS. Details can be found on the CTA for APC, Phase II - Graphics webpage.