Operator Response to Failure of a Computerized Procedure System

Abstract

Computerized Procedure Systems (CPS) are a key operator interface in modern digital control rooms and are becoming more commonplace as part of traditional control room modernization efforts. As a result, the potential failure modes of such systems, and how these affect operator performance, are important areas of consideration for key stakeholders. A pilot study conducted in 2016 at a training simulator evaluated three failure types of the CPS including: (i) failure of the automatic step evaluation function; (ii) failure of the automatic place-keeping function and (iii) total loss of the CPS. The purpose of the study was to explore operator response to these three failures and to identify key research topics for future studies in this area.