Realtime location system improves safety, security and workflow

July 2007 PLCs, DCSs & Controllers

A realtime location system (RTLS) locates and tracks physical objects, such as mobile equipment and employees, in realtime. The position of an asset becomes a new type of process control variable, used to reinforce safety practices, improve security, and simplify operational and maintenance workflow optimisation.

Honeywell's RTLS integrates with the company's Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) and the Enterprise Building Integrator (EBI) to deliver realtime location information from across the plant. The solution uses three positioning technologies: global positioning system (GPS), ultra wideband (UWB) and a proprietary active radio frequency identification (RFID). Its HTML-based interface allows users to locate and track assets on 2D or 3D maps and view query results.

Safety practices reinforced

Localisation sensors installed in key locations across the plant allow emergency teams to generate mustering reports within a few seconds of an incident and locate any missing or injured employees. The system provides automatic notification with the exact location of an injured employee, sending signals only when within the vicinity of a sensor (up to approximately 200 m).

Asset location is another variable to manipulate during plant operations. Some procedures or situations require specially trained staff to be present in a specific perimeter. For example, users can build interlocks that take into the account the location of workers in the field and ensure that procedures are started only when an authorised staff member is in the perimeter. The combination of Honeywell's RTLS and Procedural Operations tools allow users to take safety to the next level.

Improved security

Honeywell's RTLS complements the user's investment in access control and perimeter security by providing a means to manage its facility's employee and visitor traffic within the plant. The system is compatible with Honeywell access cards and digital video cameras that may already be installed at a facility

Operational and maintenance workflow optimisation

The system allows users to quickly locate and track inventory and valuable assets moving inside and outside the plant. Time spent looking for assets can be dramatically reduced, which can have significant benefits during major turnarounds and new construction projects.

For more information visit www.honeywell.com/ps or contact Jason Whitehead, Honeywell Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 695 8000, [email protected], www.honeywell.co.za

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