Simulator design in advance of plant build

Modern quality assurance practices together with advances in simulation technology that enable the rapid and efficient generation of plant specific models and operator interfaces have introduced the option of designing and constructing plant specific training simulators considerably in advance of plant build. The consequent establishment of simulator based plant specific training may be mandatory and certainly appears to have many benefits to the end user both in terms of the direct training outcome, such as plant availability, but also in direct support to the plant design and test activity. It does, however, require careful management and planning and a recognition that the capability of the final simulator is principally limited by the timing, quality and extent of the data supplied together with a clear view of the ultimate training duty