MES/APC integrated with DCS 3

[AutoDCS]

I have just graduated from University and just learning on the job about control systems within manufacturing and industry.

I know it is possibe to integrate MES/APC with DCS (very limited knowledge) however this is at a lower level, to what extent is this true with regards to ABB's DCS prods?

My boss spoke to a friend who is expecting a contract to integrate a DCS for some client. This guy is in talks with ABB and apparently he is so sold on ABB's migration strategy...Call me a sceptic but how feasible is this.

The questions are:

* What benefits are offered to the customer to migrate to ABB's DCS system
* What is the average age or replacement cycle of the competitors installed base (10 years, 20+)
* As the market is expanding and the systems are getting smaller and cleverer, how is this feasible?
* Is ABB offering a separate product and solution business or is it a joint venture?
* Actually where are these machines manufactured, is help at hand (ok might sound dum as it is a global company but one cant help but wonder)
Questions, more questions.....

You see, I dont think this is easy but maybe the boss's friend is rather optimistic

I like the idea of Industrial IT AC800xA...

What do you think?

 

[FrancisL]

First question has to be why migrate anything?
What is there now? If it's pneumatics then I understand.
Second, like all modern systems, you can with a lot of work 'integrate' them, a modern DCS is no different.
Third,
what does 'integrate' mean?
Fourth
APC is another thing - optimising a control system has little to do with integrating it into ERP, MES or what ever.
That does not mean that APC cannot improve a businesses bottom line.
Fifth
ABB is a huge global multinational company, orginally based in Sweden and Switzerland, where they have good engineers. They will do as good a job as most, I am sure

 

[jsummerfield]

ABB bought several companies. I have not looked at ABB in a several years. Thus I do not know which lines may still be viable. ABB bought Combustion Engineering - thus acquired the Taylor MOD 300 system. The Taylor DCS line was integrated with the Asea gear. The Taylor single loop and field instruments were integrated with Kent. Later ABB bought Bailey. (BTW, as a disclaimer I worked for a division of CE during the acquisition). I liked the look of Bailey and fear that they are not the winner. ABB also make PLCs.

Most DCS products are suitable to provide the front-end for advanced process control and enterprise wide data collection. I am watching the Fisher-Rosemount (MTL) Delta-V line as it is likely more user friendly than most of the ABB products.

John

 

[CMfgE1]

I have had the pleasure of installing the DeltaV line and I am impressed with the features. They make hart compatible cards for I/O that allow you to talk to the instrument from the remote terminal. If you have to make changes, no need to go to the feild. Although I found it necessary to always visit the instrument for peace of mind. Also Wonderware is a great interface and user friendly.


I also work with ABB on a daily basis (PLC-3, PLC-5, slc500) and have found the hardware to be very stable and reliable. The interface is FLINK and is typical for a computer software application. As reliable as can be expected. Also we use RSlogix to access and modify plc programs. What a difference form the old days!

So there are two different control systems both capable of performing your needs. Now you must map out what you need and what your future growth will be.

Control systems usually have a life of around 5-8yrs. although I have seen Taylor mod 300 sytems in for 20 yrs and still working, and PLC systems in for over 10yrs and till working. Plc systems are work horses and reliable. DCS systems are friendly easier to use but less reliable.



Good luck

Quote: "Its not what you know, its who you know" - anybody trying to find a decent job

 

[CMfgE1]

Correction: ABB in the second paragrapg should be AB (allen bradley)

Quote: "Its not what you know, its who you know" - anybody trying to find a decent job