The Common Problem with Uncommon Solutions
The challenge with people developing custom solutions is that those solutions are unsustainable. The people and the resources work together for a certain period, but then something changes: retirement of people, products and processes means the line is no longer sustainable or optimized.
On top of this, what did it cost to have Old Joe focused on developing solutions over the years? What was the ROI? Could his time have been better spent elsewhere in the plant?
Truth is, what Old Joe did could have been managed with an off-the-shelf (OTS) solution that’s lifecycle managed, documented and migratable.
Do the Right Thing
Although a standardized, proven solution like PlantPAx® modern DCS is the right decision for a plant looking to modernize its control system, it can be a hard sell to Old Joe, who has provided value over the years by piecing together a system that works well enough.
This decision goes above and beyond any single person or plant. If system integrators are involved, if there are multiple lines or multiple plants, two priorities outweigh any single person’s comfort or ownership: the new system must be standardized and migratable.
PlantPAx provides a sustainable model for the lifecycle of controls and automation products in one plant or across an enterprise, and can accelerate implementation of new lines. For this customer, PlantPAx enabled the company to present a consistent look and feel across plant controls, rely on standards and specifications for software and hardware, and count on an efficient development cycle.
The customer developed an application per their requirements using PlantPAx templates and experienced accelerated implementation thanks to early engagement with our process design team, the PlantPAx platform, and FactoryTalk® software.
PlantPAx Improves Visibility
These solutions helped the food and beverage company’s bottom line; reduced development and commissioning time; and was easily adopted by operators and technicians.
The PlantPAx system is now utilized to improve visibility into the process to allow better operator and maintenance decision-making – for Old Joe and for every operator in the plant.
