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Process Automation Systems incorporate the memory, processor and software technologies developed in the PC industry which now allow users to apply a range of advanced techniques to supplement the more traditional, essentially, single linear variable PID, ratio, and feedforward control.
APC facilities typically include:
- multi-variable
control (MVC), in which several variables
are used to compute the required level of
control;
- on-line batch
scheduling and automation, in which
production is automatically scheduled to take
account of orders, available equipment and
materials against specific business objectives
and constraints;
- non-conventional
advanced control, in which plant behaviour
is compared to a model and rules applied to bring
plant behaviour closer to that required;
- dynamics control, in which the
true transfer function of a plant unit is
modelled so that precise control can be achieved;
especially useful in extending life, reducing
energy consumption, or improving precision of
rotating machinery;
- matrix control,
a more extreme form of multi-variable control
where a range of measured variables and controls
are all assumed to affect the process outcome to
some degree;
- statistical
process control (SPC), in which statistical
techniques are used to detect and correct
potential deviations from desired performance;
- alarm
management, in which patterns of deviations
are analysed in order to identify and focus
operator attention on, the prime cause of an
alarm;
- operator advice, in which patterns of process measurements are analysed and translated into advice on appropriate rectification actions by operators.
Business management can also be improved by use of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to integrate information from enterprise and plant level systems and incorporate features such as order processing, production scheduling, resource management, customer relationship management (CRM), asset and inventory management, formulation (recipe) management, predictive maintenance.
Our Process Automation Experts Network is dedicated to exploring developments in process automation and enterprise integration. This involves projecting the evolution of enterprise and plant level functionality and identifying strategic business needs. It also requires identifying issues related to supplier and partner selection.
Our extended network ensures we have the expertise to help you solve just about any business or technology problem.
Vecta Consulting Limited, Mulberry House,
2 The Spinney, Broad Lane,
Cottenham, CAMBRIDGE, CB4 8RN
Tel:
+44 (0) 1954 250222, Fax:
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