Interactive SOP Display Layout for Process Control Workflows
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional standard operating procedures (SOPs) in industrial process control systems are typically documented on paper, leading to operator errors due to the need to frequently switch between paper documents and control interfaces, increasing the risk of mistakes and production losses, especially during talent exodus situations.
Innovation Solution
An interactive SOP display view is implemented, embedding process control information within the instructions, allowing operators to seamlessly view and execute SOPs without navigating away from the display, using a graphical configuration system that integrates data and control elements directly into the user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If SOPs are documented on paper, then operators can access procedure instructions, but operators must frequently switch between paper documents and control interfaces, increasing error risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges SOP instructions with process control displays by embedding hyperlinked text directly into the graphical user interface. When operators view process data, SOP steps are integrated into the same display, eliminating the need to switch between separate paper documents and control interfaces. This integration ensures operators can access procedure instructions while monitoring process parameters simultaneously, reducing errors caused by context switching.
2Ease of operation
If operators use paper SOP documents, then procedure steps are available for reference, but operators risk misinterpreting process control data when switching between documents and interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hyperlinked text as an intermediary between SOP instructions and process control data. These hyperlinks are embedded within the graphical user interface and dynamically link to relevant process variables. When operators click on hyperlinked terms in SOP steps, the system automatically displays the current value of the associated process parameter, ensuring accurate data interpretation without requiring operators to manually cross-reference separate documents.
3Ease of manufacture
If SOP instructions are separate from control interfaces, then procedure documentation is maintained, but operators experience discontinuity when following SOP steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines SOP documentation with the control interface by embedding hyperlinked instructional text directly into the graphical user interface. SOP steps are not separate documents but are integrated within the same display that shows process data. This merging allows operators to follow procedure instructions and monitor process parameters simultaneously, creating a continuous workflow experience without requiring physical document handling or interface switching.
4Reliability
If operators frequently switch between paper SOPs and control interfaces, then SOP steps can be followed, but time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operator action by integrating SOP instructions directly into the control interface. Operators can follow procedure steps and monitor process parameters simultaneously without interrupting their workflow to switch between paper documents and the graphical user interface. The hyperlinked text provides contextual information inline, allowing operators to maintain continuous engagement with both the procedure and the process, thereby eliminating time losses associated with document switching and improving overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for generating an SOP object and executing the SOP object is described herein. The SOP object may include (a) a first element corresponding to a description for performing one or more steps of an SOP when monitoring or controlling a process plant, (b) a second element corresponding to a link to process control data associated with a first process control element included in an operating environment of the process plant to receive real-time data corresponding to a process being controlled in the process plant; and (c) a layout defining a visual representation of the first element and the second element.