Web Enabled – Real Time Business and Process Analysis to Increase Productivity in Industrial Plants.

Abstract

Intelligent systems (IS) technologies have received much attention in a wide range of process engineering applications including process operations. Due to the rapid change applying the latest technologies has become a serious challenge to both management and technical teams. Objects and components are changing the way everyone relates to their computer and networks but most feel that the rate of change will continue to increase. All information technology systems have data and communications tools for personnel. The industrial desktop can be adapted to automate decisions, intelligently analyze large amounts of data, and learn from past experiences. This is true whether the users be operators, engineers or managers. Users can adapt their desktop according to their domain knowledge, roles, skills and responsibilities. This strategy enhances collaboration between working groups (Operations, Management, Maintenance, and Engineering). Access to data and analysis tools enables plant personnel to try new ideas, determine and track the right targets, determine and track the best patterns, and transform and store data as well as knowledge. This paper presents a description of the data hierarchy and analysis means needed to improve process operations. Continuous improvement with an innovation loop fueled by data collection and analysis methods emerges as the best method for active decision making and collaboration. Just a sampling of results include extended sub critical equipment availability, increased production by faster detection of process bottlenecks and operating costs reduction. Descriptions of these results in the process industries are presented.