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The successful implementation of an industrial automation system –
not depending on size and coverage – must, necessarily, go through a
careful planning process of its stages and components.
Allying experience and knowledge of technologies, Authomathika has
supplied several automation strategic plans, for systems of various
sizes – including “greenfield” projects over the past few years.
CONTENTS OF THE AUTOMATION PLAN
In general, the Automation Plan
comprehends a series of documents which aims for the definition of
control loops, operational and safety interlocking, granting the
following items:
Description of the
main control loops and safety interlocking logic;
Definition of:
General control architecture to be adopted
Field instrumentation
technologies
Data
digital industrial networks
Supervisory and
history software of process variables and events
TAG’s structuring
Operation Interfaces
Preparation of
assignment books with directives to:
Minimum requirements
for system and peripheral set up
Minimum
requirements of Brazilian Ministry of Labor regulatory Norm NR-18
“Vendor
lists” with preferential and alternative indications
Distribution of main
and remote panels in the plant
Criteria for technical and commercial proposals presentation
WORK METHODOLOGY
The automation plan
development is made in close cooperation with the engineering
company responsible for the plant’s project, as well as client’s
professional staff. In general it is recommended the creation of a
work group made up of the client’s professionals involving
industrial management, instrumentation and control, electric and IT
personnel.
After the kick-off meeting, where ‘macro” questions are debated, it
starts the definitions of the system global topics, taking into
account important aspects, such as: i) existing installed bases in
the plant itself or in others of the same economical group; ii) the
technical preferences of the group for debates and discussions; iii)
the technical preferences of the group for debates and discussions;
iii) the technologies which
are most adequate to the culture of the group or of the labor
qualification which is available or to be made available for plant
operation; iv) the client’s vision about the automation system
coverage, its integration with corporate systems, etc., v)definition
of all the system implementation timetable, since the plan initial
definitions to the plant’s start up.
From the initial definitions, the automation plan is developed, and
the client is constantly updated about the plan progress, with
effective participation in the definitions. Casual visits to
suppliers and plants with systems of similar set up and in operation
may be made, with the purpose to enrich the decision making process.
Along the development of the plan, Authomathika not only does the
necessary consultancy, but also acts as a facilitator of information
exchange and flow, and also helps to make decisions which will
define the future scope of supply, to be quoted by the market.
At the end of the works, the client has in hands all the necessary
details in order to acquire the systems. The technical papers is
sent to the potential suppliers, and Authomathika assists in
explaining the technical doubts of the contestant companies, and
assists the client, if necessary, in the technical equalization
of the proposals.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PLANNING
-
Clear definitions of all the automation structure;
- Allows any further plant expansion and system increasing, with no
losses of the initial investments;
- Adequate preparation for a future integration with MES and ERP
systems;
- Technical standardization and equalization of commercial proposals
for system acquisition
- Richness and high quality of produced papers, for future
reference.
- Optimization of financial resources designated to the automation,
with long term vision
For further information, please consult us. We are at your disposal.
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