Heuristic Evaluation of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Displays

Abstract

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a computer software architecture that collects, analyzes, and delivers real-time production data to an accompanying human-machine interface (HMI) display. SCADA displays can help ensure efficiency in industrial settings by allowing users to monitor and control production processes, see system issues, and directly interact with equipment or devices (e.g., sensors, motors). However, SCADA displays tend to be highly complex and cluttered with data and interactive components. In this research, we conducted an evaluation of various SCADA displays available online using Neilson’s ten usability heuristics. The findings revealed that those displays scored poorly in the evaluation, indicating the need for redesign concepts that prioritize user needs. We then provide redesigned displays, conduct computational modeling to ensure the effectiveness of the redesigns, and propose a set of SCADA display design guidelines aimed at improving those displays to support user needs and, ultimately, improve user performance.