At CSE ICON, we recently helped a customer implement API 1165 for pipeline SCADA screens. This client was being audited by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and asked for our help with the design of their HMI screens.

From this experience, we realized that there’s still little information online about API 1165, aside from API’s big PDF with the set of practices. Articles across the web still lack depth and cut-out information that could aid customers in making decisions.

One of our goals is to help customers in the pipeline industry get the insights they need to make informed decisions about their technology. That’s why we developed a blog series covering API 1165 from general information to more detailed stuff.

How Many Installments Will the Blog Series Have?

Our blog series on API 1165 will have three parts that will go from the general definition of what API 1165 is, to the set of rules and finally how to implement it on your SCADA system.

 

Here’s a breakdown of the installments:

What Specific Topics Will the Blog Series Cover?

Our blog series on API 1165 will cover tips, examples, and recommendations that you don’t get from other online articles or the API 1165 PDF itself.

Here are the specific topics covered in each part.

Part 1: What Is API Recommended Practice (RP) 1165 and Why Is It Important for My SCADA System?

In this post, you’ll learn what HMI screens look like without the intervention of API 1165. Plus, the reasons why this is unsafe and frustrating for your operators.

Also, you’ll get an answer to the question “What is API 1165?” and why it’s so important in today’s industry standards. And if you’re still not convinced about what API 1165 can do for you, we added its advantages and disadvantages.

    Part 2: A Complete Guide to API Recommended Practice (RP) 1165

    In this part, you’ll learn about the principles of Gestalt. These principles are based on how the human brain organizes designs with multiple elements, which influences how designers should organize and present graphical information on a screen.

    Then, we’ll summarize the key elements of API 1165 that include:

    • Consistency and coding
    • Screen layout and navigation
    • Objects, colors, and text
    • Object dynamics and data attributes
    • Control techniques and administration

    Each of these elements contain multiple items that ensure you can design a usable UI (user interface).

    Part 3: 7 Steps to Implement API Recommended Practice (RP) 1165 to Your SCADA System

    Finally, after you’re loaded up with all the above information, we provide a framework of seven steps for you to implement API 1165 in your SCADA system.

    We’ll be posting the whole blog series throughout the next week and are open to any questions and feedback. Also, if you’d like us to cover another industry topic that isn’t clear or which is lacking information online, let us know.

    Contact us at contact@cse-icon.com or fill out the form below. We’re here to help!

    Have API 1165 Questions?

    If there’s a specific API 1165 project or question you’d like to discuss, contact us today.