Change in Reaction Time due Advanced Process Graphics

Change in Reaction Time due Advanced Process Graphics

The transformation to Advanced ProcessGraphics aligned to the level shift in operational responsibility to achieve the operational agility needed in the “Flexible Operational Team”. In the last month, it has been rewarding to see two customers embracing this technique with results of straightforward, responsive Navigation.

The diagram below shows the evolution of the HMI graphic, in the 80s it was what I call the black DCS screen, to 90’s and 2000’s which we have a photo like graphics and many colors, to the drive today of uncomplicated, 2D graphics.

When applied in practice, results of painless awareness become abundantly clear. Some companies have tested existing (90s) operational experiences and Advanced Process Graphics finding a 30+ minute improvement in responsiveness.  I was watching how an operator moved through a screen based on a condition. The situation came up on the main screen which was light grey, with a red highlight around the particular area that has an issue providing immediately awareness.The user drills into that areas screen seeing a blue symbol indicating a warning level of alarm condition on one equipment. Clicking on  the equipment, down the bottom of the layout the list of potential issues in dull grey, and one condition is highlighted with blue.

What was very clear the way in which the operator navigated he just followed the color, there was really no need to search a screen as everything was light grey except the high lighted area. Speaking with the operator, he said “he has come from a traditional black background screens(70s) the learning experience was easy as he did not learn how to navigate to screens, he just followed the situation (color)”.

I have also seen this on some experimental experiences in South Africa, showing the same results, this has made it black and white to me, that if we are to make our operational experiences inituative this is a good starting point.

The above diagram refers to two books the “High Performance HMI Handbook” explaining the why, and “ASM Guide” explaining the how, both a worthwhile read.