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SCADA Alarm Rationalization and Priorities

How to rationalize SCADA alarms so operators get fewer nuisance alarms and faster response to real events.

SCADA alarm rationalization is the fastest path to better operations when the system is noisy. Too many alarms hides the alarms that matter and trains operators to ignore the HMI.

We align alarms to equipment behavior and SOPs: clear messages, consistent priorities, and sensible deadbands so alarms are actionable and stable.

The result is a concise alarm list that supports real workflows, with documentation that explains why each alarm exists and what the expected response should be.

Key focus areas

  • Fewer nuisance alarms through deadbands and persistence
  • Clear operator messaging tied to SOP response
  • Consistent priority scheme across sites and equipment

Implementation checklist

  • Inventory alarms and categorize by impact and response time
  • Eliminate duplicates and tune thresholds for stability
  • Document required operator actions for every high-priority alarm