Man or machine-who does it better? - Humans may do some things better than automatic controllers, but can they do it consistently?

摘要

It is a typical situation: We look for profit improvement opportunities in a plant where only basic controls are in place, and we suggest using automatic controllers for key process variables. Then we hear the argument. Our process is very simple and we have good operators, who have known the plant for years. There is no need for closed loop control. And of course, we hear it especially when an investment, such as a new stream analyser, is involved.