How many screens do your operators really need? This study attempted to create an algorithm to help you decide.
Dr. Nathan Lau of Virginia Tech University attempted to develop on algorithm to establish the required number of monitors for a control room. Six different analytic techniques were used to evaluate the workstations at the utility area of a large paper mill. The analysis proved to be time consuming and limited by the lack of data on optimal screen information density.
To support the process industry on optimizing control operator workspace, a two-phase study dividing design and evaluation research is proposed. This Phase 1 proposal include the following objectives:
1. Develop a system-task analytical framework for designing control operator workspace by specifying the design inputs provided by key human factors analysis methods in the literature
2. Design a control operator workspace for a selected production process as a proof-of-concept for the system-task analytical design framework
3. Develop an experimental plan for testing the proof-of-concept operator workspace and assessing the merits of the system-task analytical design framework
What is the optimum design for an operating console?
What factors influence its design?
How does the console design interact with the structure of the display system?
The console operator’s workstation has evolved over the past three decades since the advent of distributed control. More information is being presented via monitors and the monitors have become larger. Where once only three, 15” monitors were present per operator for the DCS, now six or more might be provided for the DCS along with additional monitors for the business network, CCTV, and access to specialized applications (advanced process control, laboratory, alarm monitoring). The reduced cost of monitors has resulted in far more of them, with potentially negative consequences. Not only are the excess monitors not adding value, they occupy valuable real estate, increase the distance between operators, and potentially influence the creation of a poor display system in an attempt to utilize them all. In addition to monitors, the operator work envelope must accommodate communications equipment (radio, phone) and potentially shutdown switches wired independently from the DCS.
Preliminary system-task analytical design framework for control operator workspace
Report on analyses performed and derived requirements for workspace design
Demonstration or multimedia (non-report based) documentation of the workspace design alternatives
Short report on focus group findings (dependent on stakeholder schedule)
Final report, presentation/demo(s), and Phase II proposal.