What do you do if your control engineering failures need to be communicated and explained effectively?

1 Own Up

When a control engineering project doesn't go as planned, the first step is to take ownership of the failure. You should immediately acknowledge the issue to those affected and avoid casting blame on external factors or other team members. This approach establishes trust and sets the stage for constructive dialogue. It's important to be prepared with a factual explanation of what went wrong, supported by data and analysis. Transparency is key, so provide a detailed account of the failure's impact, including any safety or financial implications.

2 Analyze It

After acknowledging the failure, thoroughly analyze the root cause. This involves a deep dive into the control system's data, design, and operational logs. You should examine all components, such as sensors, actuators, controllers, and algorithms, to understand where the breakdown occurred. Once identified, concisely explain the technical reasons behind the failure, ensuring that technical jargon is minimized or clearly defined for non-expert stakeholders. Understanding the root cause is essential for preventing recurrence and for building more resilient control systems in the future.

3 Simplify Terms

Communicating complex control engineering concepts in layman's terms is essential for effective explanation. Break down technical language into simpler concepts that are easier to grasp. For example, instead of talking about "PID controller tuning parameters," you might explain how adjusting certain settings helps keep a system stable and responsive. Use analogies and visual aids whenever possible to help illustrate your points. Remember, the goal is to convey the essence of the failure without overwhelming your audience with technical details.

4 Propose Fixes

Once you've explained the failure, it's important to discuss potential solutions or improvements. Proposing fixes shows that you're proactive and committed to learning from mistakes. Detail the specific changes that will be made to the control system or process to prevent similar issues. This might include redesigning certain components, implementing additional safety checks, or revising maintenance protocols. Be clear about the expected outcomes of these changes and how they will enhance system performance and reliability.

6 Reflect Together

Finally, use the failure as an opportunity for collective reflection and learning. Encourage feedback from all parties involved and create an environment where team members feel comfortable discussing what went wrong and what could be done better next time. This collaborative approach not only helps in refining processes and systems but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Reflecting together also helps in identifying any skills or knowledge gaps that can be addressed through training or education.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?