Are your operators still doing rounds? Does it help or hurt their situation awareness? This potential project looks to answer the question so you can make better choices about how your operators spend their time.
Many of our member companies require their operators to complete rounds requiring documentation, either in the field or on the DCS console, on a regular basis. Our member companies cite many reasons why they require rounds, but the main intent is to raise the operator’s situational awareness. There have been questions raised about whether or not rounds improve an operator’s situational awareness.
Do rounds that require documentation improve an operator’s situational awareness?
Are there additional benefits to rounds?
Prior to the implementation of distributed controls systems (DCS), operators were required to conduct rounds of operating facilities and document readings from instruments used in process operation. With the advent of DCS and data historians, many of those variables have been digitized and can now be viewed via digital methods.
Many of our member companies continue to require operators to conduct rounds and document specific variables. Most of this process information is already being stored in data collection software, and the physical documentation is redundant.
There are many reasons given by operating companies to support the requirement of rounds:
- Helps with operator vigilance
- Enforces expectation that operators view the process on a regular basis
- Either at the DCS screen or in the field
- Helps with training and/or continuing knowledge
- Ensures the “important” variables are being seen on a regular basis
Suggested in the RFP:
Final report detailing findings including any data collected to support the findings.
Presentation of findings at one semi-annual face to face meeting.
Monthly reports detailing project progress