A method includes obtaining data identifying values of one or more process variables associated with an industrial process controller and identifying one or more constraint violations using the data. The method also includes, for each identified constraint violation, analyzing a behavior of the controller, a behavior of an industrial process being controlled, and how the controller was being used by at least one operator for a period of time. At least part of the period of time is prior to the identified constraint violation. The method further includes generating a graphical display based on the analysis, where the graphical display identifies one or more probable causes for at least one of the one or more constraint violations.