The development of new methods and technology for operation support is a central part of the department’s activities.  The developed methods are then integrated in application-oriented computer-based tools aimed at large complex process plants such as nuclear power plants and oil & gas installations.

In addition to condition and performance monitoring systems, the department has developed advanced alarm system development tools as well as knowledge-based systems to support operators in diagnosing more complex fault conditions. Computer-based procedure systems are developed to assist the operator in carrying
out control room tasks.
 
The development of the systems is primarily driven by long-term research programmes within the OECD Halden Reactor Project and by direct projects with external industrial customers.

In addition to broad engineering and cybernetics competence, the department benefits also from highly skilled computing scientists, and from close cooperation with leading universities and research centres.