APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR VISUALIZATION OF OPERATING STATUS IN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM

Deviations associated with a process system are identified, such as by identifying deviations of process variables or production measurements from target values. A graphical display is generated that identifies at least some of the deviations and one or more characteristics associated with the deviations. For example, the graphical display includes a time axis, and each deviation is associated with a bar positioned in the graphical display to identify a start time and an end time of the deviation along the time axis. Also, each bar may include one or more indicators (such as patterns, colors, or shadings) that identify the one or more characteristics (such as an economic impact and/or a cause) of each deviation identified in the graphical display. In this way, a user can, among other things, identify when deviations from target values occur, durations of the deviations, and economic impacts and/or causes associated with the deviations.