Process Monitoring Alarm Workflow for Pending Operator Actions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process monitoring systems, such as SCADA systems, lack effective mechanisms to ensure operators are continuously informed of pending instructions and actions, which can lead to critical oversights, like forgetting to close a valve at a specific time, due to the limitations of current memo systems that only allow creation and reading in one view and lack reminders.
Innovation Solution
A process monitoring system that integrates a tag management for process values, alarm management, and a message sequence display with an input/output field for short messages, allowing operators to create and manage alarm instances, trigger reminders, and store messages for traceability, enabling improved observation and operation of process objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If memo function is integrated into process control systems, then operators can leave notes and information for subsequent shifts, but operators cannot be continuously informed about pending actions and instructions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously notifying operators about pending memo actions through multiple channels (message sequence display, pop-up windows, alarm integration). When a memo is created or updated, the system actively pushes notifications to ensure the operator is aware of actions that require completion, transforming the passive memo system into an active reminder system with continuous feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively creating alarm instances and notifications before the operator might forget or overlook pending actions. The memo system automatically generates alerts and maintains visibility of pending tasks, ensuring that critical actions are reminded to the operator before their deadline, preventing oversights in advance.
2Ease of manufacture
If memo function allows creating notes in one view, then operators can document actions, but the memos cannot be read or accessed from other views
Solution Approach 1:
The memo system is enhanced with multi-functionality by enabling access from multiple views and interfaces. Memos created in the input/output field can be read and managed in the message sequence display, alarm list, and other system views. This universal accessibility allows operators to create, read, and manage memos regardless of which view or interface they are currently using, transforming a view-specific feature into a system-wide capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The message sequence display and alarm management system serve as intermediaries that bridge different views and interfaces. These intermediary components retrieve, display, and manage memo information, allowing seamless access to memo content across different system views without requiring direct connection between all interfaces, thus maintaining system simplicity while enhancing accessibility.
3Device complexity
If critical actions are stored in memos without continuous notification, then the system maintains simplicity, but critical actions may be overlooked or considered behind schedule
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms by integrating memo notifications with the alarm management system. Critical actions stored in memos trigger alarm instances that continuously notify operators through the message sequence display and other interfaces. This feedback loop ensures that critical actions remain visible and cannot be overlooked, automatically escalating reminders if not acknowledged or completed by the deadline.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary safety actions by proactively creating alarm instances and notifications when critical actions are stored in memos. Before an operator might forget or overlook a critical action, the system automatically generates alerts and maintains continuous visibility through multiple interfaces, ensuring that safety-critical tasks are reminded to the operator in advance and cannot be missed.
Data Source
AI summary
A process monitoring system includes a control unit connected to a server that includes an alarm household, an alarm list that includes alarm messages and a visualization service that includes a variable household, wherein the visualization service is configured to supply the control unit with process values and alarm messages, the first control unit is configured to indicate a process object with its process values in an input/output window and indicate a message sequence display with alarm messages, the input/output window includes an input field and activation area, a manager creates an alarm instance for a process object assigned to the input field when a short message is input and an activation area is activated, and the first control unit stores the assigned short message as a further alarm message in the alarm list, where the message sequence display is extended to indicate the further alarm messages as short messages.