What does "alarm management" aim to achieve in industrial control systems?

Alarm management is a crucial practice in industrial control systems focused on improving the effectiveness of alarms and alerts in a facility. The primary aim is to enhance operator awareness and response when abnormal situations arise. Effective alarm management ensures that alarms are meaningful, prioritized, and actionable, allowing operators to quickly identify the most critical issues that demand their attention.

By prioritizing alarms and eliminating unnecessary or nuisance alarms, operators can maintain a better situational awareness, making it easier to respond promptly and effectively during emergencies or operational disturbances. This not only helps in minimizing response time but also ensures that operators are not overwhelmed by excessive notifications, which can lead to alarm fatigue and potentially hazardous situations.

While other factors, such as operational costs, equipment longevity, and maintenance tasks, may be positively impacted by effective alarm management, the primary goal remains centered on enhancing the capabilities and responsiveness of operators in managing processes safely and efficiently.