After you have your WORK FLOWS, ORGANIZATION, MAINTENANCE PROGRAM, and DATA FLOWS defined, then it’s time to “Glue it All Together”, by providing a central machine to drive your new work flows.
This is your OT PLATFORM (OTP)!
1. your existing SCADA / Process Control systems, and the Historians / Data they generate
In order to CONSOLIDATE DATA, many times the implementation of a MASTER SCADA SYSTEM is also required. One overarching, cloud based SCADA system that “dual polls” your field automation and PLCs in parallel to capture key operational and engineering data in on consolidated location
A well designed Master SCADA System will also integrate field automation sensor and other non time series data like truck tickets, photographs, and log book entries into one consolidated OT Data Warehouse
2 . an OT DATA WAREHOUSE
This is where all field data is captured and centralized in one location. This includes field automation sensor data, non time series data, and cloud automation solution data.
This data is structured into an ASSET FRAMEWORK (also known as a facility hierarchy). This framework organize and normalizes all the field operational and engineering data so there is an easy, consistent, and quick way to find and use data.
Then, based on your workflows, key META DATA is added to make the data easier to use and add additional value.
3. BI tools for dashboards, KPIs, reports, analytics, and integration into other systems
With all your data consolidated, you need the ability to analyse and report on your data and use it to continually optimize your operations and measure your performance.
If you have succeeded in consolidating all your field OT / sensor data, in something similar to an Enterprise Historian, then you can easily integrate an Advanced OT Analytics Toolkit that will help you do data modeling, analytics, advanced trending, and integrate machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI)
4. Smart Alarm/Event and Notification Engine
Again, leveraging your consolidate OT data and enterprise historian, you can utilize a Smart Alarm and Event engine to determine items like health states of facilities, seasonal variations to your process, and continue to optimize your operations and process.
“Smart” alarms and events are multi variable equations leveraging mathematical and statistical functions to “self verify” themselves to avoid false or unnecessary alarm call outs or validation of false states in your operations.
When these smart alarms and events occur, you need an engine to either send triggers to other applications and systems or call out via text, email, screen notifications, or voice calls for action and investigation.
5. your OT Mobile App for Operators
Having a single mobile app / interface for your operators and field resources, provides one source of truth for them to find their work, key site / equipment information, see quick trends, validate well test schedules, see pigging status, enter log book comments for automated reporting, provide real time feedback on operations, enter field data capture (FDC) information, and request assistance is key to getting the most out of your operations team and coordinate field vendors and staff.
6. your web based Workflow Management and Master Scheduling app
Typically our clients set up one or many ROCR (Remote Operations and Collaboration Rooms) to have oversight across large fields or provinces, so they can do real time monitoring of the process running in the field, schedule, direct, and manage your defined work flows and field resources.
This web app integrates real time oversight of your entire field, all your field resources, and all your work flows, allowing you to adapt through the day and assure the right work is being done, in the right location, for the right reason, at the right time.
7. a reliable, highly available Field Network
Nothing works without data flowing and integrating in a consistent quality manner, in timely manner, and having it secured.
Having an appropriate field network to match your security, polling, and data integration requirements, and assure near real time operation of your field mobile app and ROCR web app is crucial!
8. your Field Automation
The last thing we encourage our clients to do is go purchase new additional field automation.
After you review, optimize, and implement your workflows for your desired typical operating day, clear automation and technology gaps will show up, pointing you clearly where to implement field automation and cameras to support your workflows.
Don’t make the mistake of buying field automation first and then try to figure out how to justify its value!
Appropriate and focused field automation is key in being used to feed your SCADA systems and enterprise historians to you can measure and learn from your data!
If you would like additional information on various aspects of an OT Platform, please go to these blog and video list links:
https://qt-ot.com/articlespostsblog/
https://qt-ot.com/qt-ot-videos-presentations/
or contact us at shane.yamkowy@qtltd.ca