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I want to reduce the number of alarms in the control room
You do?! Great!
The best results come from a complete redesign of your alarm configuration,
however, most people do not want to tackle that right away, if at
all. A reasonable option that still delivers good results is to
attack alarm problems from the top down, working on the worst problems
first. Keep in mind that you may discover that the problem really
doesn't lie within the alarm system itself, but it's a good place
to start.
The TiPS LogMate AMS product supports either approach.
Choose your preference:
Gradual Reduction:
In many cases, a program of gradually reducing alarms by attacking
bad actors can result in substantial improvement. Using LogMate,
you can quickly see how much improvement is possible and where
to focus to get there.
Step 1: Collect Data
The first step is to collect data. 90 days of data generally gives
you a good, representative sample of alarm activity, although
some problem alarms can be identified much more quickly.
The LogMate Capture module is responsible for collecting and archiving
alarm data in real-time.
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Step 2: Analyze Your Data
Once you have data, you are ready to look at it statistically to
identify alarms that are good candidates for change. In the same
analysis you can visualize how much you stand to improve. The LogMate
ACE module includes a thorough library of statistical tools for
assessing alarm activity.
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Step 3: Reduce Alarms!
Now all the tools are in place for you to start addressing problem
alarms and reducing alarm activity. It's a simple, continuous
process of analyzing alarm behavior and making changes that reduce
alarm activity.
Step 4: Monitor and Maintain
If you want to prevent the loss of the alarm improvements you make,
you will need to have a program for continuous measurement of alarm
performance and some kind of change management mechanism. That will
help ensure that you are continuously improving the alarm environment,
not fighting a losing battle. The LogMateAMS AlarmKB module can
help you prevent reversal of the progress you make.
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Optional But Recommended: Document Your Work
As you work through fixing alarm problems, you will most likely
learn some interesting things about your operation. You will find
it helpful to document your discoveries as well as the thought process
you went through when reviewing alarm behavior. The information
you put down will be helpful when you try to remember why you treated
a particular alarm the way you did. The LogMate AlarmKB module provides
a warehouse for alarm review notes.
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Complete Redesign
In a complete redesign you start with a blank alarm configuration
and work through the process of building one. This method of alarm
management results in the greatest improvement, but it does place
a load on resources. You may choose to temporarily supplement your
staff with outsourced personnel. The good news is that this won't
require specialized resources because all you are doing is applying
standard good engineering practice.
Step 1: Redesign
The alarm management team (usually representatives from each of
the business segments that has an interest in the quality and content
of alarm delivery) meets and brainstorms through a fresh alarm design.
The LogMate AMS AlarmKB module gives you the ability to document
team discussions and plan a good alarm design.
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Step 2: Implement
In a "greenfield" operation,
you would take the final design and implement it. In a "brownfield"
operation, you would compare the new design to the current design,
discuss any differences, add or change the new design based on those
discussions, then implement the design.
Step 3: Monitor and Maintain
Once a new design is online, you will want to preserve it while
still allowing for continuous review and change if necessary. No
design will be perfect, but change needs to be controlled and managed
within the context of the alarm environment as a whole. It is best
to implement some kind of performance review and change management
program. The LogMateAMS AlarmKB module gives you the infrastructure
to control the stability of your new design.
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