)) Validate proper change management by including the
control room in key conversations. )) Ensure that point-to-point, rationalisation, setpoint
review, and training occur before the asset comes under control. Improving and refining the system will give human operators confidence in the quality of the alarms presented to them in their consoles. Furthermore, this process will enable operators to execute the PDCA cycle during all operating conditions. A key component of the PDCA cycle is building strong feedback loops to gather input from personnel to understand how best to present information to them. The alarm management system needs to be optimised for the human element so that each individual can effectively use the SCADA system to perform duties. Consider gathering the following input from operators:
to blend technology and the human elements of alarm management to optimise performance. The combination of software tools and services creates the right solutions that fit the unique characteristics of your pipeline operation. At EnerSys Corporation, we provide a software module, ALMgr, within our POEMS® Control Room Software Suite (CRM Suite) that is specifically designed for alarm management. The features and functionality included in ALMgr enable operators to manage the alarm rationalisation process and assist with real-time response to alarms. We back our software tool with expertise from a team of consultants that can analyse your control room, SCADA systems, HMI displays, and human activity to identify ways to improve performance effectiveness. Through our combination of software and support, your operation will be able to: )) Generate alarm response sheets (ARS) to guide
)) What is working in the alarm management system?
operator response.
)) What is confusing (e.g. bad actors generating false alarms)?
)) Streamline your operation’s alarm response.
)) Are the alarm activation steps clearly defined for you?
)) Reduce alarm frequency and floods.
)) What is unclear when responding to each alarm (e.g. alarm
)) Enable situational awareness to help human operators
floods)?
perform their duties effectively.
)) Do you understand the alarm priority sequence?
)) Improve response time to plan, do, check, and act.
Then, pipeline operators should continue to refine their presentation of alarms to personnel to continue strengthening human performance. This captures the importance of optimising pipeline SCADA and HMI systems to support the operator.
)) Cut the cost of the rationalisation process.
The role of pipeline SCADA and HMI Effective alarm management depends on robust SCADA systems so that pipeline operators can quickly gain clarity about what they see on their HMI displays and achieve situational awareness. Operators in the control room need to be able to identify abnormal situations and follow the appropriate intervention steps. This can be achieved when the SCADA system is set up so that crucial information is presented to the operator when needed, and in the form they need.
1. Software tools Once the SCADA system is set up properly, your operation needs access to the right tools to streamline your operation’s alarm response. Specifically, you should utilise alarm management software tools that are designed for pipeline operations and enhance the effectiveness of your SCADA.
2. Services Additionally, it’s important to work with subject matter experts who can provide you with guidance on how
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)) Determine whether fatigue is a factor in alarm
response (i.e. fatigue management). )) Analyse the results of each alarm event to improve
operational efficiency. )) Enable communication with supervisors about bad
actors in the system. )) Generate records that track results that can be used to
improve future performance. Many companies can provide your operation with software tools for alarm management. Others can provide you with consulting. But, it’s rare to find a provider of both software and services/support. Through our natural compliance solutions, we foster strong relationships with pipeline operators to drive toward continuous improvement in the control room. Consider ways that your operation can take the appropriate steps to build an effective alarm management system. Then, look for ways to strengthen your safety culture. Finally, consider utilising our solutions to ensure that personnel in the control room can perform critical duties in a safe and effective manner.