For the customer:
The main control switches to be colour coded. They can understand the instruction 'press the yellow switch' easier than 'press the alarm silence' switch or 'press the switch with the funny euro-compliant symbol on it'. Their ability to read or dechiper symbols seems to disappear when they are panicing during an alarm condition!
For the engineer:
i) A copy of the last config. that was properly loaded, automatically stored in a non-volatile, non-removeable-from-the panel memory device, that can subsequently be read and used via a laptop if the panel config. becomes corrupted. Even better if it can store the last 2 or 3 configs.
ii) A log, preferably constantly displayed somewhere on the panel, with the date the last config. was loaded and the IP address of the device that loaded it. A record of this information could be kept by an engineer as proof that no-one else has subsequently loaded a, potentially dangerously altered, config. since he was last on-site.
iii) A panel design that enables the attachment of a special purpose-made shelf-type construction which is designed to hold a laptop PC. This will ensure the engineer can find somewhere safe and secure to place his laptop rather than hold it in his arms as he attempts to alsotap the keyboard!
iv) A standard 3-pin socket within the control panel to allow local connection of commissioning/service tools that require a mains supply.
I will think of more!
