Mapping the genome of natural organisms paves the way for developing drugs that help prevent and treat diseases. The same can be true for automation systems and for optimizing processes and preventing abnormal situations in industrial plants.
Genetic Sequencing of the Common Cold
Researchers at the University of Maryland and the University of Wisconsin recently announced that they have mapped the genome of the common cold. This, they claim, is the first step toward finding a treatment for the common cold. By decoding the genetic structure of the cold virus, medical researchers are able to understand its vulnerabilities and to develop antiviral drugs that will hopefully soon help us all avoid this stuffy menace altogether or get over it quickly.
Genetic Sequencing of Automation Systems
The equivalent of the common cold at an industrial plant is the occasional upset that can make a plant “sniffle,” become “lethargic” and begin losing money, which if not mitigated in time, can even lead to undesirable consequences including serious damage to equipment and harm to plant personnel.
Understanding the root causes and developing strategies for mitigating the automation common cold (abnormal situations) in industrial plants is a high priority R&D activity to us here at PAS.
Over the past decade we have been busy mapping the “genome” of a broad spectrum of automation systems, from field instruments through the PLCs, DCSs, historians and into MES applications. By mapping the genetic structures of these disparate systems, we are able to optimize their performance and identify defects that can lead to upsets and incidents in any industrial plant.
Jim Pinto, the popular industry observer, recently wrote an article in Automation World highlighting the complexities of industrial process automation systems and the importance of managing the knowledge that is embedded in these systems.
In fact, if you think about it, automation systems is where the plant production, reliability and safety knowledge come together to turn raw materials into end-products, whether electricity, jet fuel or ibuprofen. Retaining, protecting, and exposing the knowledge embedded in automation systems is the primary function of PAS’s Integrity™ software.
As the pioneers in this important, emerging field, it is our responsibility to help the industry discover the potential opportunities associated with aggregating, contextualizing and sharing the critical knowledge (read Intellectual Property – IP) embedded in automation assets.
So stay tuned and watch for some exciting news coming out of PAS over the next few weeks and months.
And as always, drop me a note and let me know what you think about this topic.
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