The Human-Computer Interface

The Human-Computer Interface (HCI), or Human-Machine Interface (HMI), in a facility is often an under-developed tool in keeping a plant running efficiently. Even a poorly designed system can perform adequately in normal operating conditions but can hinder operations in the event of abnormal situations; both in recognizing the event and properly handling it.

Alarm management is a large factor in a properly designed HCI system. The flexibility of today's systems often lends to abuse of the alarming features of an HCI and the alarm annunciator quickly becomes a liability for operations staff rather than a valuable asset.

A properly designed system must integrate all of the facility information and data yet provide a clear and concise operating 'window'.

HCI/HMI Design

There are many publications and industry standards which take into account the human factors of operating a plant which can be utilized to allow operations staff to focus on the real issues within your facility and not the 'noise' of a poorly designed system. These standards cover all aspects of the HCI system including graphic design and layout, navigation, screen hierarchy and alarm management strategies.

Phaedrus Technologies can integrate a system which will allow operations to focus on optimizing your facility under normal operating conditions while giving them the ability to quickly rectify variations with tools for abnormal situation management.