Workload and software usability for process control

Description:
PURAC Biochem produces several products such as lactic acid, several lactates and byproducts such as plaster. The chemical processes are monitored and controlled by operators from the control room. The management wants to know if it is possible to work with less people in the control room for parts of the day. How much work can be managed by a operator? And is it possible to improve the efficiency of the work by optimising the usability of the software?
PURAC asked vhp for advice. The questions were answered based on the following research:

• Workload measurements with the Workload Scan, a vhp standard method for the calculation of workload. With this scan the work of the operators is mapped in full detail during a half day. For each task the following measurements are carried out:
• The duration of the task
• The ‘perceived workload' of the operator.
• Assessment of the usability of the software with the Usability Scan, another vhp standard. For all systems in the control room the usability is assessed, and also the consistency between the separate systems has been evaluated.

With the outcomes of these two scans, recommendations have been made for the improvement of the efficiency of the work in the control room and the adaptations in GUI of the software.

Staff members:
Msc. Marrieke van Veelen Eur.Erg

Originator:
PURAC Biochem Gorinchem