PLC / SCADA Ergonomics Simulator
Duration: Started Aug 2019 – present
Brief: Canary Designs Managing Director has spent 23 years immersed in the subject of Ergonomics and tried a multitude of techniques to communicate ergonomics design thinking, design on human terms. The idea to build a simulator springs from John’s industrial placement at the Centre for Human Sciences in 1998, where the use of simulators was necessary for understanding human system interaction. The SCADA / PLC simulator will be designed to be mobile, available for expos and school visits. It is hoped that the simulator underlines the role of the human during Industry 4.0.
Method
Canary Designs contacted a number of automation experts in industry and partnered with products 4 automation (P4A). P4A owner Carl Nash has provided Canary designs with his time and access to Movicon Next (SCADA software), and provided training in the use of the Siemens Simatic S7 – 1200 Programmable Logic Controllers. Canary designs have come up with a number of scenarios that demonstrate the varying degrees of automation, semi-automation, unautomated operating systems.
Outcome
The simulator will be used to identify the importance of the marriage between the system architecture and the graphical user interfaces. For example are the sensors included in the system architecture the right ones, are there enough, are there too many? How do you present the information so that it is timely and relevant for the designated human tasks, do the humans know what is happening / happened?
Testimonials
I am Chair of the North East Wales Panel of Remap, we design and make “Bespoke Equipment” for the disabled, John approached us about Gary working alongside our volunteer Engineers during his stay for a month spread over the year, we accepted his offer and agreed for that to happen.
John and Gary came to our Monthly meeting in September and I can say he immediately settled in, introduced himself and not only listened to our discussions relating to ongoing work but asked questions showing an interest in what we do.
Gary, a very polite likeable chap who has displayed a good work ethic and is keen to make the best of his time with us. In the short time he has been with us he has impressed everyone with his knowledge and the ideas he puts forward for consideration.
When he has been with an Engineer to see clients regarding our work, he always has empathy with them regarding their issues and always eager to attempt to resolve them and improve their lives.
I was the Project Manager responsible for converting decommissioned areas into storage facilities for storing drums of radioactive waste at Bradwell Decommissioning Site. John Lovegrove was appointed to add his expertise and insight into supporting the Project. John used his area of expertise to add value and focus into the delivery of the best solutions. John was a valuable member of the team with a gift for highlighting the often overlooked items in the early stages. Measure twice cut once.
I wish to express my thanks and appreciation to John Lovegrove of Canary Designs for the professional and knowledgeable commitment provided in a challenging legal claim arising out of a work-related upper limb disorder.
It was extremely helpful to have an expert in this specialist field of work who could produce a technical and detailed report very quickly. Indeed, I am sure that Mr Lovegrove’s investigation and report was a pivotal factor in the success of my client’s claim.
I would highly recommend Canary Designs.
John and Canary Designs were called in to help us assess the ergonomics of our workplace in light of the repetitive nature of many of our laboratory activities. They spent time in the laboratory videoing activities and talking through tasks with the staff to ensure that they thoroughly understood them. As a result they were able to recommend a number of very practical, targeted alterations that we have since implemented and which have transformed the way that we work. We were very happy with the service we received and would definitely use them again in the future.