The alarm problem - Some ideas for improvement

Paper in proceeding, 2011

A number of general problems with alarm systems have been identified in literature for decades and more recently in-site studies of alarm systems in process industries show that the same pattern of problems The aim of this paper is to show some principle user interface design ideas for improvement of alarm systems adapted to operators’ needs of adequate alarm information. Prioritising, guidance, fast detection and interpretation of anomalies are significant to improve process safety. Pattern recognition is efficient and visual aids enhance detection of process changes. There are still much to do in the design of efficient alarm systems, one idea is to develop learning systems.