Extended Operator Workplace

Operators exercise full control of their processes via two large-screen, high-resolution interactive displays with integrated video, plus individual operator consoles, This overall view helps them prevent expensive downtime and react quickly in the event of a problem.

Contextual navigation and productive collaboration
In the Extended Operator Workplace (EOW), enterprise-wide plant data and functions accessed by System 800xA are presented on wide-screen operator consoles integrated with large, fully-interactive displays. Thanks to System 800xA’s integration capabilities and contextual navigation plant operators can view the entire production facility in a single window in real-time. Faceplates, trend displays, documentation, maintenance records and any other object-related information can be accessed on consoles or displays in their actual context without any delay or need for separate browsing. Your operators’ ability to act quickly and make correct decisions improves dramatically, as does their exchange of critical information with colleagues. A trend display can be sent to and viewed on other consoles, or shown on a large display for wider audience involvement, for instance. As several people can comfortably participate in trouble-shooting at the same time, the large displays also speed up error recovery. Live video is good example of how the large EOW creates a well-functioning control room. Instead of struggling to view separate CCTV monitors, operators can instantly display live videos of process objects directly on the large screen or the integrated console.



Attracts and keeps skilled operators
Younger operators with modern control skills put a high value on the job they perform. They rightly want a working environment that reflects this status. EOW provides this.
Close attention to working height, viewing angle, sit comfort and legroom as well as ambient lighting, noise and heating levels keeps operators alert and ready to act quickly whatever situation arises. Furthermore, access to other facilities (rest room, kitchen, toilet, meeting room, computer room, library, exercise room, etc.) presents little problem. By recognising human factors such as ergonomics, good health and job satisfaction, EOW rewards opera­tors for the vital work they perform. It ensures that they continue to see that your plant performs smarter, safer and better – and at substantial cost-savings.



Few people would argue against the control room being one of the most important workplaces in the entire plant. Despite this viewpoint, it’s not uncommon to see control room environments that are far from ideal. Technology-driven control room design, for example, often results in huge over­view display walls that impress visitors but do little, if anything, to help individual operators. At the other end of the scale, we find cramped locations packed with a diversity of screens, keyboards and terminals plus an ever-growing array of CCTV monitors mounted wherever space allows.

Neither example provides operators with the tools they need to perform their allo­cated tasks, and neither makes any effort to create an environment where human factors such as good ergonomics, collaboration and work satisfaction contribute to a well-functioning control room that lifts process quality and safety to new levels. The risk of costly operator error is always present, especially in critical situations. System 800xA EOW solves all of these shortcomings. In the EOW, operator consoles are integrated with a large display that is completely interactive for safe, fast and correct decision-making. The system is also highly flexible and can be easily adapted to individual needs.

If you want to improve operational productivity, quality, safety and reliability, a System 800xA Extended Operator Workplace-equipped control room is a good place to start.