How to Be Production Control Room Operator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 13, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The Control Room Operator is a vital role in many production facilities, as they are responsible for operating and managing the production process. This includes monitoring instrumentation and equipment, analyzing data, controlling and adjusting production processes, and making sure that the production is meeting all safety and quality standards. The Control Room Operator's actions can have a direct effect on the efficiency and quality of the production, and failure to properly monitor the production process can lead to costly downtime, errors, and product defects. By ensuring that the production process is running smoothly and efficiently, Control Room Operators can help save time and money for the company, as well as improve the overall quality of the product.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Some employers may require post-secondary education in a related field, such as engineering or industrial management.
Get on-the-job experience. Many employers prefer to hire people with at least some experience in production control room operations. Internships can be a great way to gain this experience.
Acquire certifications. Obtaining certifications in production control room operations can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs. Look for certifications specific to your industry or region.
Build your skillset. Production control room operators need to have strong problem solving, decision making and communication skills. Take courses or attend workshops to build these skills.
Apply for jobs. Once you are qualified, you can apply for jobs as a production control room operator. Look for openings at factories, plants, and other industrial facilities.
Pass the interview and background checks. Once you have been invited for an interview, be prepared to answer questions about your skills and experience. You may also be subject to a criminal background check and drug screening.

In order to remain updated and qualified as a Production Control Room Operator, it is important to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and technologies. Ensuring that you have the necessary certifications and qualifications is critical to success in this field. Regularly attending training courses, webinars, and seminars can help you stay informed about the latest developments in the industry.

networking with other professionals can provide valuable insight into the latest trends and best practices. By keeping your knowledge and qualifications up to date, you will be able to stay competitive and successful in the production control room operator profession.

You may want to check Robotics Operators, Heavy Equipment Mechanic /Operator, and Geothermal Plant Operator for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor and adjust production equipment to ensure efficient and safe production according to established procedures.
Monitor and analyze product quality and production data to ensure adherence to standards.
Troubleshoot and resolve production issues as they arise.
Notify supervisors of any potential safety hazards or problems.
Follow established safety procedures and practices when operating production machinery.
Maintain accurate records of production data and other pertinent information.
Ensure that raw materials and other supplies are available for production.
Monitor computerized production systems, control panels, and other equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Adjust settings on production equipment as needed to meet production specifications.
Verify the accuracy of reports and other documents related to the production process.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of production systems and processes
Ability to troubleshoot production issues and identify solutions
Knowledge of safety and quality standards
Familiarity with basic computer systems and software
Ability to coordinate with multiple departments
Excellent communication skills
Good organizational skills
Attention to detail
Ability to work independently
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of data analysis techniques
Knowledge of inventory management
Experience in setting up and overseeing production lines

Effective communication is an essential skill for a Production Control Room Operator. This is because the role involves the coordination of multiple departments and activities in order to ensure a smooth production process. The ability to communicate clearly and concisely is necessary in order for an operator to effectively manage the day-to-day operations of the production line.

This includes ensuring that deadlines are met and that all necessary tasks are completed on time. Furthermore, an operator must be able to relay information to different departments in a timely manner. This requires the operator to be aware of the current status of the production process, so that updates and instructions can be given in a timely manner.

an operator must be able to make decisions quickly and accurately in order to maintain production flow. By having good communication skills, a Production Control Room Operator can effectively coordinate the different elements of the production process and ensure that operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Lift Truck Operator, Bull Operator, and Offshore Pumping Platform Operator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a production control room environment?
How would you prioritize tasks in a high-pressure, time-sensitive environment?
Describe how you would monitor and manage production equipment and processes.
What strategies do you use to anticipate and solve production issues?
What experience do you have with data tracking and analysis?
What do you know about safety protocols and procedures in the production control room?
How would you ensure accurate documentation of production activities?
What techniques do you use to maintain efficient communication between staff in the production control room?
How do you stay organized and keep track of multiple tasks simultaneously?
What do you believe are the most important qualities of a successful production control room operator?

Common Tools in Industry

Process Control Software. Automates the control and monitoring of plant processes (eg: DeltaV).
SCADA System. Supervisory control and data acquisition system used to control and monitor industrial processes (eg: Ignition).
Industrial Networking Equipment. Connects distributed devices in a plant (eg: Modbus TCP/IP).
Data Historian Database. Collects and stores process data for analysis (eg: PI System).
HMI Software. Graphically displays process information and allows operators to interact with the system (eg: Wonderware InTouch).
Alarm Management System. Monitors process alarms and provides notifications (eg: Honeywell Advanced Alarm Manager).
Automation Framework Software. Integrates plant control and monitoring systems (eg: Siemens PCS7).
Plant Documentation Software. Stores plant documentation and makes it available to operators (eg: Aveva Plant Documentation).
Manufacturing Execution System (MES). Tracks production processes and materials (eg: Rockwell FactoryTalk ProductionCentre).
Mobile Device Applications. Provides access to plant information on mobile devices (eg: Cogentee PlantView).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Society of Automation (ISA)
Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society (ISA-SME)
International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (IAARC)
Association of Manufacturing Automation Professionals (AMAP)
Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC)
Robotics Industries Association (RIA)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
International Federation of Robotics (IFR)
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
International Conference on Intelligent Robotics and Applications (ICIRA)

We also have Machine Operator, Production Machine Operators, and Medical Equipment Operator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Process Control. The process of controlling a production process to ensure that predetermined objectives are met.
Batch Production. The production of goods in batches, rather than in one continuous stream or process.
Computerized Process Control. The use of computers and software to automate and monitor the production process.
Quality Control. The process of ensuring that the output meets the desired specifications.
Process Monitoring. The process of monitoring the production process to ensure that it is being conducted as planned and that any issues are identified and addressed.
Alarm System. Alarm systems are used to alert operators in the event of a problem, allowing them to take corrective action.
Safety Systems. Systems designed to prevent accidents in the workplace, such as emergency shut offs and fire suppression systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Production Control Room Operator?

A Production Control Room Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling the production process in a factory or industrial setting. They ensure that the production line is running smoothly and efficiently, and they may be responsible for troubleshooting any issues that arise.

What qualifications are needed to become a Production Control Room Operator?

To become a Production Control Room Operator, you typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, relevant experience in a related field such as engineering or manufacturing can be beneficial.

What are the duties of a Production Control Room Operator?

The main duties of a Production Control Room Operator include monitoring the production process, keeping track of production metrics such as output or efficiency, making adjustments to the production process as needed, and troubleshooting any technical issues that arise.

What are the working conditions for a Production Control Room Operator?

Production Control Room Operators typically work in factories or other industrial settings, so the work environment may be loud and busy. They may also be required to work long hours, depending on the production schedule.

What is the salary range for a Production Control Room Operator?

The salary range for a Production Control Room Operator typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience and the organization.