CALL NOW: 512-630-3401

Main News

The 6-Step Methodology

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…

Read More

Ian Nimmo: High Performance Operator Displays for ISA Pulp and Paper

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…

Read More

What is the deal with High-Performance-HMI?

Something important in this title is the word high-performance, meaning it should deliver human performance improvements. Performance refers to the ability of an individual or a system to execute a task efficiently and effectively. In general, good performance is characterized by high speed, accuracy, and consistency in achieving the desired results. It can be measured…

Read More

IChemE Process Management & Control Webinar 2024

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…

Read More

Shift Work and Blue Light

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, namely its color temperature and blue light content, can affect the circadian rhythm and sleep patterns…

Read More

Justifying the Project Costs of Alarm Management

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…

Read More

What an Effective Alarm Management Team Looks Like (and How to Build One)

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…

Read More

ACRNA 2023 Conference

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…

Read More

The Importance of Continuous Alarm Management

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…

Read More

Kuraray Embraces Control Room Human Factors and Operator Situation Awareness

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…

Read More

Why Alarm Management Training is Important

In industries where safety and reliability are paramount, effective alarm management is crucial. Alarm systems serve as a vital tool for alerting operators to abnormal conditions or potential hazards. However, without proper training, alarm systems can become overwhelming, leading to operator errors and compromised safety. That’s why alarm management training is of utmost importance in…

Read More

Why Control Room Design is Important

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…

Read More

The Power of High-Performance HMI

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…

Read More

Control Room Design

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…

Read More

The Crucial Role of Alarm Management

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,…

Read More

The Importance of Operator Staffing Studies for Control Rooms

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…

Read More

ACRNA Conference | Keynote Speaker: Ian Nimmo

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…

Read More

The Art of Control Room Design: Creating Efficient and Ergonomic Spaces

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…

Read More

Level One and Level Two High-Performance Displays

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…

Read More

Mastering Alarm Management

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?…

Read More

Shift Work And LED Lights

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…

Read More

The Value of Alarm Management

Automation Projects, Challenges, and How the Operator Became Alarmed: In the photo you can see Ian Nimmo standing with a Polyester Fiber Bale dating back to the 80’s when this young engineer faced many uphill battles; some you all may relate to. Like most projects they come with unique challenges.   Automating processes were the…

Read More

Control Room Evolution

It never ceases to amaze me when I walk into a control room and see environmental conditions that are contributing to poor operator situation awareness. A vast majority of our present-day control working environments are a result of evolving a room that was based on 1950s design technology. Some of the control room renovations we…

Read More

Field Operations With Ian Nimmo

Field operations is about making sure people do things correctly the first time. We look at the quality of what the operator does, what activities they do, how they work as a team. We are taking best practices that have been identified and applying them, helping you fix problems before they begin. Field operators and…

Read More

Gap Analysis with Ian

In this video, Ian discusses gap analysis. Businesses need a good philosophy before they can begin, and gap analysis can be applied in different areas. Compare what your company has with the international standards and begin to understand what the problems are, identify the gaps, and come up with a plan to fix them. The…

Read More

Best Practices and International Standards

Best Practices and International Standards with Ian Nimmo. While no one person can define what best practices are, we can look at research from the past 30 years and find best practices. Best practices can be found in international standards, guidance documents, and communication in the industry regarding what’s not working versus what’s working very…

Read More

Operator Training Development

Operator training development with Ian Nimmo. We must identify roles and responsibilities, then put together job performance profiles. This helps us identify what skills are needed in order to do the job. Looking at every aspect of the job, we then create a program for new people coming into the industry as they progress through…

Read More

Work Team Design

Ian Nimo discusses Work Team Design. User Centered Design Services has developed an assessment methodology that compares the current operations Work Team Design to industry Best Practices. Our review includes the Work Group Structure, the Work Group Interaction, and the Management Structure and Philosophy. Our process can be applied to current staffing at a site…

Read More