The importance of automation of production process control and control centers

Abstract

When building new or upgrading existing control centers, ergonomists and designers strive to design solutions that improve operators' working conditions, including work comfort, and reduce their psychological burden stemming from the complexity of their activities and the high responsibilities they bear. However, meeting the needs of operators, while adapting to space constraints or specific technical requirements for the control system, is very difficult. Coping with this difficult task, therefore, requires a responsible approach consisting of the implementation of many ergonomic principles, already in the design phase of the workplace. To this end, an approach known as Human-Centered Design has been successfully used in practice. It aims to design and create working conditions so that operators do not experience physical discomfort, feelings of alienation, or personal dissatisfaction at work. The quality of the work environment and the organization of work itself must necessarily take into account human needs and constraints and at the same time reflect several related psychological aspects. With the advent of Industry 4.0, the nature of the work of operators will change. Sooner or later, robotization will prevail here as well, which will affect socio-cognitive interactions within the work system. The mental performance requirements of operators will also increase significantly. But hand in hand with this, operators will also demand better working conditions. Employers should take these issues seriously today and start preparing for these expected changes. What problems can be expected in connection with the probable development, and what opportunities open up, which are discussed in this article. © 2021 International Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference. All rights reserved.