Posts by Stephen Maddox

The design of control rooms is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in technology and the evolving needs of various industries. As we move into 2024 and beyond, several innovative trends are shaping the future of control room design. These trends aim to enhance functionality, improve ergonomics, and ensure the integration of cutting-edge technologies…

Creating an efficient and ergonomic control room is crucial for optimizing operations and ensuring the well-being of operators. Here are some best practices in control room layout and ergonomics, focusing on key design principles that contribute to success in mission-critical environments. The Importance of Thoughtful Design Enhancing Operator Performance Strategic Monitor Placement: Consider the placement of…

In today’s fast-paced and technologically advanced world, organizations across various industries are recognizing the value of consolidating control rooms. This strategy involves merging multiple control rooms into a single, centralized location, offering numerous advantages. Here are the top five benefits of consolidating control rooms that can transform your operational efficiency and effectiveness.   1. Enhanced…

In the realm of operations management, operational efficiency is key to ensuring safety, product quality, minimizing risks, and optimizing resources. One powerful strategy that continues to gain traction among forward-thinking organizations is control room consolidation. This approach not only centralizes monitoring and response activities but also significantly enhances operational efficiency. Let’s delve into how control…

In mission-critical operations, where split-second decisions are vital, the design of control rooms significantly impacts operational success. Effective control room design focuses on user-centered principles to support operators in executing their responsibilities efficiently and safely. Here’s why it matters:   Enhanced Situational Awareness: A well-designed control room minimizes distractions, optimizes sightlines, and organizes information displays…

  In the dynamic landscape of operations management, the concept of control room consolidation is gaining significant attention. As businesses and organizations seek to optimize their operational efficiencies and enhance safety protocols, the consolidation of operations and control rooms emerges as a compelling solution. But what exactly does control room consolidation entail, and why is…

Please Vote For Dave Lee We are proud to announce that Dave Lee, our UCDS president and friend has been nominated for a position on ISA’s Executive Board. Use the following link to cast your vote.   About Dave David is a Chemical Engineer by training, a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the UK’s IChemE,…

In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial operations, control room consolidations have become a strategic move for many organizations seeking increased efficiency and streamlined processes. While the benefits of consolidation are clear, the process itself can be challenging, often requiring disruptions to day-to-day operations. Let’s explore effective strategies to minimize disruption during a control room consolidation…

  The control room serves as the nerve center for many operations, whether it’s in refining, pipelines, utilities, transportation, surveillance, or emergency services. The staff in these critical environments often have to be prepared for high-stress situations that require constant vigilance to navigate, which can lead to job burnout and turnover. Retaining qualified and trained…

UCDS uses a 6-Step methodology to design a User Centered Control Room to enhance operator performance. The goal is to keep the operator’s attention engaged without relying on alarms. Our methodology is a phased approach, each step in our methodology leads into the next step. Each step has an impact on the design of the control room. We are the only company in the world that uses this 6-step integrated…

On April 2nd at 10:00 central time, Ian is going to present on High-Performance Operator Displays for ISA Pulp and Paper. High-Performance Displays: We design operator displays for situation awareness based on prioritized events that require operator attention using a Level 1 through 4 hierarchy. Operator displays must be designed using human factors rules and…

The iChemE presentation will be on: Applying Human Factors in the Control Room to Achieve High Performance in Operator Response. Ian will present on the 6-step model below:   Register Now Applying Human Factors in the Control Room to Achieve High Performance in Operator Response This presentation will explain many of today’s current challenges with…

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses and organizations rely heavily on technology to operate efficiently and effectively. With this reliance comes the need for a central location where all critical operations can be monitored and managed – the command center. A command center, also known as a control room or operations center, is a designated space…

As businesses continue to rely on automation and advanced technology, the need for a reliable alarm management system becomes increasingly important. Alarm systems provide immediate notifications when an issue arises, ensuring that prompt action can be taken to prevent any potential downtime or safety hazards. However, implementing an alarm management system can come at a…

Alarm management is a critical aspect of any organization, as it helps to ensure the safety and security of both individuals and assets. An effective alarm management team plays a vital role in this process by managing alarms efficiently, reducing nuisance alarms, and identifying potential hazards before they turn into major incidents.   Characteristics of…

The ACRNA 2023 conference held in Brisbane was the best yet!   The venue at the Queensland Cricketers Club of the magnificent GABBA had a record 117 delegates gather for 2 full days of control room learnings, sharing, visits and, as usual, plenty of networking.    We were fortunate to have renowned expert Ian “HP HMI” Nimmo…

Alarm systems are designed to alert individuals and organizations of potential hazards or emergencies. They serve the nervous system of the process and play a key role in mitigating risks, preventing losses, and ensuring the safety of people and assets. However, just having alarm systems in place is not enough; it is equally important to…

Kuraray has been manufacturing and marketing ethylene vinyl-alcohol copolymers (EVOH) under the name EVAL™ since 1972 and remains the world leader in EVOH production and market development. EVAL™ helps food producers and distributors make packaging more efficient and avoids waste while conserving energy and resources, as well as reducing the total amount of packaging materials…

Control rooms are at the heart of many industries. From power plants to transportation networks, control rooms serve as the nerve center where critical decisions are made and operations are monitored. Given their significance, it’s essential to recognize the importance of a calculated control room design. Ensuring Optimal Performance A well-designed control room can greatly…

What is High-Performance HMI? High-performance HMI is a design approach that focuses on providing operators with clear, concise information to make informed decisions. It leverages graphical representations, color schemes, and data organization to present only relevant information to the operator. The result is minimized cognitive load, maximized situational awareness, and improved response times in critical…

Control rooms are the nerve center of any industrial facility, where operators monitor, control, and manage the operations. A well-designed control room can significantly enhance operational efficiency, improve safety, and lead to a happier, more productive workforce. In this blog post, we will delve into the critical aspects of control room design.   Why is…

Alarm management is a pivotal aspect of control room operations. A well-configured alarm system is an essential tool that assists operators in monitoring system states, identifying unusual conditions, and taking swift, informed action. In this blog post, we will delve into the critical impact of alarm management on a control room operator’s ability to detect,…

The heart of every efficient control room is centered around well trained, competent, and vigilant operators. Ensuring you have the right number of operators at the right time is not just about meeting regulatory requirements, it’s also about ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of your facility. This is where Operator Staffing Studies come into…

ACRNA 2023 Conference: Brisbane, Australia Meeting the needs of future control rooms In 2023 we will be back in Brisbane with many opportunities to visit new control rooms, and to revisit some of our colleagues from 2016 to see the transitions they have made and to consider our own strategies, preparedness, planning and foresight. The…

Control rooms play a vital role in the seamless operation of industrial facilities, power plants, and other critical environments. They serve as the hub for monitoring, controlling, and managing complex processes, making it essential to design them with efficiency, ergonomics, and safety in mind. In this post, we will discuss the key considerations for control…

What are High-Performance Displays? High-performance displays are an essential component of modern control rooms. They provide operators with clear, concise, and easily understandable information about the processes they’re monitoring. These displays are designed to reduce cognitive workload, increase situational awareness, and ultimately, improve the overall performance of your control room. There are two primary levels…

Alarm management is an essential aspect of any industrial control system. From small-scale facilities to large manufacturing plants, alarms play a crucial role in maintaining safety and efficiency. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the importance of alarm management, best practices, and steps to improve your alarm system.   Why is Alarm Management Important?…

Shift work. It’s a given in virtually every work schedule of the process-based industry.  LED (light-emitting diode) lighting has gained traction as the status quo due to its energy efficiency and longevity.  However, the specific characteristics of LED lighting, particularly its color temperature and blue light content, can affect the circadian rhythm and sleep patterns…