| Replicates Your Process Accurately |
A good training simulator needs to be of almost engineering grade accuracy. Otherwise, experienced operators will detect inconsistencies between the simulation and the real process/controls, compromising the integrity of the simulation and reducing its value. |
| Has All the Bells & Whistles |
The simulator needs to mirror both your manufacturing process and the controls you use to regulate it. Alarms should be audible and display screens should mirror the actual ones your operators will use. Trending data should be available just as it is with your real control system. The process simulation should behave just like your manufacturing process, and react just as your process does to operator/trainee adjustments. |
| Allows for Flexibility in Setting Up Base Conditions and Training Scenarios |
The training requirements for every process are different and a simulator needs to be able to handle the diversity. For some processes startups and shutdowns are most important, for others it's handling emergencies, for another it's getting the process back after an upset. |
| Easy, Low Cost Updating |
Processes change. Over time the actual process will diverge from the simulation. To be valuable year after year, the simulator must be easy to maintain and update. Otherwise, it will fall into disuse. |