Simulator Training Evaluation and Monitoring System (STEAMS)
STEAMS is a software product to record and play back simulator sessions. It integrates video, audio, screen content, trends plots, instructor-initiated malfunctions, operator actions and plant responses into a combined stream for post-scenario replay and analysis.
STEAMS provides quick and easy means to search and find interesting sequences of a recorded session, and immediately synchronizes all data sources to the selected time. This makes STEAMS superior to traditional video-based recordings.
Applications
STEAMS is applicable to simulator-based training in nuclear, petroleum, power and other industries. STEAMS supports tasks such as
- in-scenario or post-scenario debriefing
- performance assessments and qualification exams
- learning from recorded best-practise operations
- documenting compliancy during scenario-based simulator testing
Key features
During playback, STEAMS presents
- audio from selected devices, with individual audio control
- video from selected cameras
- images captured from selected plant process computer screens or operator control screens
- searchable lists of operator actions, plant alarm & event responses, and instructor-initiated malfunctions
- trend plots of searchable plant process parameter values
The user can play & pause, and easily select any specific time from a recorded scenario by dragging a slider, selecting from searchable lists of events, or clicking on trend plots. STEAMS immediately synchronizes all data sources to the selected time and is ready to play.
Performance evaluation
SCORE is a complementary software product to STEAMS, featuring structured and consistent evaluation of operating crew performance. SCORE supports instructors and evaluators in preparing schemas and in using these to evaluate operator and crew performance. SCORE can also be used by operators for post-scenario self assessments.
Installations
We installed STEAMS and connected it to customers’ simulators at
- Farley nuclear power plant’s training centre (Southern Nuclear)
- Comanche Peak nuclear power plant’s training simulator (Luminant)
- Donald C Cook nuclear power plant’s training centre (Indiana Michigan Power Company)
STEAMS is based on well-proven prototypes used by IFE’s researchers to assess operating crew performance in HAMMLAB studies since 2011.
Together with Exitech Corporation, we connect STEAMS to your simulator and help configure STEAMS for your simulator tags.
IFE offers research on assignments. Please contact:

Jokstad, Håkon
Control Room and Interaction Design,
Nihlwing, Christer
Control Room and Interaction Design,
STEAMS Flyer
SCORE Flyer