Plants designed with document deliverables in drawing format only carry the increased costs associated with keeping the drawings up to date, or worse, increased downtime if this is not done properly.
Designs done within a computerised database application ensure that changes (i.e. tag changes) only have to be made in one place and all associated documents are updated simultaneously, thus minimising plant downtime and cost throughout the plant life cycle.
During the last ten years the market has moved more towards these systems due to pull from end-users realising the cost advantages and faster delivery through a shorter EPC process.
Today, industry pressure has forced software design houses to offer a total EPC approach that is faster and more efficient than before. The only way to achieve this is through database applications that provided the following benefits:
• Information can be accessed and edited by all users (provided they have the administrative rights) from a central database.
• PLC code and scada graphics can be designed faster via user tools.
• Documents, lists and reports are generated automatically from the database.
• More accurate design means faster commissioning and handover.
• The impact of design changes can easily be assessed by accessing various lists and reports indicating spare capacity of cables, cores and terminals.
• New changes can be made immediately with a full understanding of cost implications.
DesSoft supports its customers in this regard through its suite of software tools for hookups, datasheets, built in report design, racking and routing, cable block diagrams, auto-generation of loop and termination diagrams and template style diagrams in formats like DWG and VSD.
How sustainability unlocks real business impact Rockwell Automation
IT in Manufacturing
Sustainability has moved from a compliance obligation to a strategic driver of resilience and value for manufacturers. Rockwell Automation explains how its Triple A framework and connected-data approach help producers cut energy, water and waste while improving productivity.
Read more...Mining’s AI future will depend on people as well as technology
IT in Manufacturing
South Africa’s mining industry is embracing digitalisation and AI, but AvenirHoldings chief executive officer, Tshidi Mndzebele says the real test is whether the people behind the industry are equipped to move forward with it, and outlines five things mining needs to get right.
Read more...How BIC overcame operational silos to integrate technology and people Rockwell Automation
IT in Manufacturing
Manufacturing giant BIC deployed Plex MES from Rockwell Automation at its Bizerte plant in Tunisia, replacing fragmented, partly in-house software with a single cloud-based execution system that broke operational silos and improved shop-floor visibility.
Read more...AI in industry is an early warning system, not a guarantee Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric’s Paul Steyn argues that AI in industrial maintenance is only as good as the infrastructure and people behind it, and explains the three layers a facility needs before predictive maintenance can deliver on its promise.
Read more...SA’s mining industry must put people at the heart of its digital future
IT in Manufacturing
South Africa’s mining industry employs around 470 000 people while its digital transition accelerates. Avenir’s chied executive officer, Tshidi Mndzebele argues that technology should enable and upskill the workforce rather than replace it, setting out five ways mining can make technology work for its people.
Read more...Quality control supports efficient tissue production Valmet South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Valmet’s advanced quality control technology is helping tissue producers improve product consistency while reducing energy and raw material consumption. Its latest installation at KORO Paper in Vietnam combines real-time measurement, process optimisation and non-contact, nuclear-free quality control.
Read more...Patented algorithm maximises operator efficiency Rockwell Automation
IT in Manufacturing
Rockwell Automation piloted a patented anomaly detection algorithm and FactoryTalk DataMosaix at its Twinsburg electronics plant, giving operators 30 to 60 days’ advance warning of stencil failure, improving fail rates by 22% and achieving a 200% return on investment.
Read more...Cybersecurity must become part of the next era of industrial automation Adroit Technologies
IT in Manufacturing
The EU’s Cyber Resilience Act is setting a global benchmark for connected products, making cybersecurity a core engineering requirement in industrial automation. Adroit Technologies and Mitsubishi Electric explain how building security into controllers, PLCs and drives from the outset helps South African manufacturers protect production and meet international expectations.
Read more...The next generation of engineers is building living labs of innovation Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Graduate engineers at Schneider Electric East Africa designed, integrated and commissioned the smart building systems in the company’s new Nairobi head office, demonstrating how practical, real-world project experience accelerates engineering capability and confidence.
Read more...Innodisk launches APEX series edge AI systems for industrial deployment Vepac Electronics
IT in Manufacturing
Innodisk has launched its APEX series edge AI systems, combining hardware, software and system design to simplify industrial AI deployment. The APEX-A100, powered by Qualcomm’s Dragonwing IQ9 processor, delivers up to 100 TOPS with guaranteed availability through 2038.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version