Navigation and screen hierarchy in SCADA systems - Full Explanation

Introduction

Imagine trying to control a complex factory without a clear way to find the right controls or information quickly. Navigation and screen hierarchy solve this by organizing screens so operators can easily move through the system and find what they need.

Explanation

Navigation

Navigation is how users move between different screens or views in a SCADA system. It allows operators to switch from overview screens to detailed control panels smoothly. Good navigation helps prevent confusion and speeds up response times.

Navigation connects screens so users can move easily and quickly within the system.

Screen hierarchy

Screen hierarchy organizes screens in levels, from general to specific. The top level shows broad system status, while lower levels show detailed information about parts of the system. This structure helps users understand where they are and how screens relate to each other.

Screen hierarchy arranges screens in layers to guide users from overview to detail.

Main screens and sub-screens

Main screens provide a summary or dashboard view of the entire system. Sub-screens focus on specific machines, processes, or alarms. Operators use main screens to get the big picture and sub-screens to investigate or control details.

Main screens give summaries; sub-screens show detailed views for specific areas.

Consistent layout and labeling

Using consistent layouts and clear labels across screens helps users recognize where they are and what actions they can take. Consistency reduces errors and training time by making navigation predictable.

Consistent design and labels make navigation easier and safer.

Real World Analogy

Think of a large shopping mall with a directory at the entrance. The directory shows the main areas like food court, clothing stores, and electronics. From there, you can find signs leading to specific shops. The mall’s layout helps visitors find their way without getting lost.

Navigation → Walking through the mall corridors to reach different stores

Screen hierarchy → The mall directory showing main areas and sub-areas

Main screens and sub-screens → Main areas like food court (main screen) and individual restaurants inside it (sub-screens)

Consistent layout and labeling → Clear signs and similar store layouts that help shoppers recognize where they are

Diagram

Diagram

┌───────────────┐
│  Main Screen  │
│ (Overview)    │
└──────┬────────┘
       │
 ┌─────┴─────┐
 │ Sub-Screen │
 │ (Section)  │
 └─────┬─────┘
       │
 ┌─────┴─────┐
 │ Sub-Screen │
 │ (Detail)   │
 └───────────┘

This diagram shows a screen hierarchy with a main overview screen at the top and more detailed sub-screens below.

Key Facts

Navigation → The method users use to move between screens in a SCADA system.

Screen hierarchy → The layered organization of screens from general overview to detailed views.

Main screen → A screen that provides a broad summary of the system status.

Sub-screen → A screen that shows detailed information about a specific part of the system.

Consistent layout → Using similar design and labels across screens to help users navigate easily.

Common Confusions

Believing navigation means only clicking buttons without structure.

Believing navigation means only clicking buttons without structure. Navigation includes the overall design that guides users logically through screens, not just button clicks.

Thinking all screens should show the same information.

Thinking all screens should show the same information. Screens are organized by hierarchy to show different levels of detail appropriate to the user's needs.

Summary

Navigation helps users move smoothly between different screens in a SCADA system.

Screen hierarchy organizes screens from general overviews to detailed views to guide users.

Consistent layouts and clear labels make navigation easier and reduce errors.