The Pitfalls of Alarm Rationalization and Benchmark Analysis

Abstract

The noble goal of reducing the overload of process control system alarms has lead to many approaches, some more worthy of the task than others. The pressure to do 'something' about alarms is becoming so great that the theme has reached the level of corporate edict. Yet additional pressures of time, budget and resource constraints can lead to poor decisions with unexpected results. The search for a quick, prepackaged solution can even lead to a dangerous false sense of security. The dangers can be further masked by faulty analysis of the results. The basis of the alarm management approach taken and the predefined limitations to the approach are critical in determining success. The pitfalls and illusory benefits of some alarm management approaches are highlighted. Suggestions are offered on how to formulate an approach to analysis and solution development that is not limited by static preconceptions and artificial restrictions.