Distributed control systems: cause or cure of operator errors

Abstract Distributed control systems, that use CRTs as the operator interface, offer many advantages to the control and operation of a process plant. However, this use of CRTs can reduce the performance of operators, sometimes leading to operator errors that may cause plant upsets and even injury or loss of life. Operator interface displays should be designed with consideration of the way processes are operated and the types of errors operators are likely to make. This design can reduce these errors and provide advantages over the older panel board type operator interfaces. Case histories of operator errors are analyzed, typical operator interface design problems are discussed, and suggestions, based on process operations, are given.