After evaluating several software platforms, Vertech chose Inductive Automation’s Ignition 8.0 for this enterprise level system. Ignition’s data-centric model and unlimited client licensing structure provide the foundation for a functional and scalable system. The central enterprise architecture includes network connections to each site, remote tag providers from each site, and a local database for application data. Each site has a local database containing application and historical data. The enterprise-level system obtains historized data via the remote tag provider connections.
The Ignition Vision module was used to develop all desktop user interfaces, creating a standard template for future site additions. An Enterprise user can drill down to any asset or site through a well-organized navigational structure and view real-time process data at several specified organizational levels. Enterprise-level users can also view high-level dashboards with aggregated data for assets, sites, site areas, or devices. At the site’s local Ignition 8.0 installation, users can view all process screens, dashboards, and real-time data associated with that particular site.
A user-friendly mobile app was developed using the Ignition 8.0 Perspective Module, which functions on the enterprise-level to aggregate data from individual sites to a user’s mobile device. Perspective templates were built for all mobile screens with consistency in color, style, and layout for every asset. Since Perspective uses HTML5, the application runs on a web browser session with clean graphics and mobile-responsive screen resizing for seamless operator experience. Perspective also allows managers to look at high-level data while still being able to drill down to see specific device data. The app provides user authentication and component security, tag read/write capability and control, and ability to view and acknowledge alarms. Using Perspective’s integrated geolocation feature, we developed a method to organize alarms based on the alarming devices’ distance from a user’s mobile device. This provides information and alerts to each operator using their location and proximity to each asset.
The enterprise-level system was installed and a pilot project was developed for one geographic area. All assets in this area are now connected into a common database, and the information needs of both management and operators are met. Management can view high-level performance information using dashboards available from their desktop or phones. Operations can view individual asset process and performance data and receive real-time alerts for any problems. Everyone on the team is operating with the same set of information presented in a way that makes sense to their role. Most importantly, a scalable SCADA platform is in place capable of building out the remainder of the enterprise and providing a common standard as new equipment is added in the years to come.
