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Delta Training and our simulation colleagues can build your simulator on a PC computer, or on a distributed control system (DCS) spare console. The PC based simulator is stand-alone. The console-based simulator also requires connection to a PC computer for running the simulation software. There are pros and cons to either approach, but the PC based simulator is clearly more cost effective.
DCS Console Platform
| Pros |
- Moving the console displays from the operational system to the simulator is very easy.
- Having the console guarantees the keyboard will be identical to the operational system.
- The look and feel is close to perfect.
- Keeping the simulator up to date is quicker and faster.
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| Cons |
- High-sometimes prohibitive-cost. Getting and maintaining a spare DCS console is very expensive.
- Costs climb quickly when deploying DSC console(s) to train more than one person at a time or when simulators are located in multiple locations.
- E and I maintenance people are always tempted to use the system for spare parts, reducing the time available for simulation training.
- Space requirements. It can take considerable room, planning and associated installation costs to place a console in a useful location.
- Maintenance or debugging may require a consultant to travel to the mill site, which takes additional time and money.
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PC Computer Platform
| Pros |
- Very low hardware cost, and no costs associated with maintaining a "spare" DCS console.
- Portability. You don't need much space to set up a PC-based simulator, and it can be moved easily. Fixes can often be done long distance.
- Stand alone integrity. A DCS simulator employees both a console and a PC to run the simulation software. The DCS package and the simulation software must work well together, and not just today, but tomorrow when one or both come out with new revisions or upgrades. This is never an issue with a PC only simulation.
- Training larger numbers and deploying multiple area simulations is much easier, requiring only standard PC's and components and minimal (if any) hardware upgrades.
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| Cons |
- DCS display screen graphics must be redone.
- The PC keyboard may not function exactly like a DCS keyboard.
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Either option will enable trainees to become skilled operators. Deciding which platform to use should hinge on your training goals and budget. If cost is a primary concern, it's hard to beat a PC based simulation.
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