As technology advances and consumers’ needs evolve, it’s important that new systems are adaptable to lay a strong foundation for the future.
Distributed Control Systems (DCS) are digital systems that automate the operational equipment for industrial processes. Decreasing the manual input of a process reduces safety risks and increases efficiency, which results in better operations and improved environmental outcomes.
NHP Product Manager – Software, Darren Frost, explained that modern DCS use a scalable, multi-discipline technology that provides a common automation platform for seamless integration of an entire plant.
“Utilities provide critical services, so adopting new technologies can be a big risk, but if there is room for them to take the leap, they can realise benefits all the way across their system, from the operator to the customer,” Mr Frost said.
“It’s a big jump to take that leap of faith, but there’s a giant reward on the other side of it.”
In the short term, these systems can reduce the complexity and cost of engineering, commissioning and maintenance, but in the long term it’s important that a DCS can accommodate change.
When it comes to choosing a DCS that will stand the test of time, Mr Frost said that there are two key aspects to consider: design standardisation and data contextualisation.
“These are your building blocks for the for the future, and if you’ve got a standard design, it’s easy to implement changes and it’s easy to integrate and bring that data out.
“But once you’ve got that data, you need to make it useful to the operators. So that’s where data contextualisation comes in.
“If you follow these practices when bringing these tools into your business, you’re going to be in a far better place to leverage them in the future.”
Supporting a critical service
Mr Frost said that given the enormous responsibility utilities are tasked with, it’s key that they make informed decisions on new technology and work with a reputable supplier that understands the critical nature of the sector.
“You need to have a partner that’s going to support you as you evolve. For example, Rockwell Automation provides support locally, but it also has a system integrator program and because it’s standardised, it’s very accessible,” he said.
Mr Frost explained that Rockwell Automation’s PlantPAx DCS, is an industry leading solution with proven success in a wide range of sectors.
“What sets PlantPAx apart is that rather than being a separate product, it’s a framework that’s built on top of Rockwell’s standard products, and brings them under one unified platform,” Mr Frost said.
“This reduces the risk and simplifies operation, because it is very easy to implement a standardised system. This also means that PlantPAx is future-proof and can grow with businesses as they need it to.
“A good partner is not going to just sell you products and move on, you need someone who’s going to help you on your journey from the start. Someone that has a proven system with a proven track record, who can support you into the future.”
For more information, contact your local NHP Account Representative or call 1300 647 647.
Featured image: distributed Control Systems can streamline operations and improve environmental outcomes. Image: frank60/shutterstock.com.
