1. Abstract your system from the underlying hardware
Remove your legacy software dependency on obsolete hardware to ensure that you can continue to operate without reliance on the availability of specific hardware.
2. Automate your SCADA version upgrades
Upgrade your outdated SCADA version using automated methods to minimise the required testing and commissioning time; while avoiding the introduction of defects to the system.
3. Have a software update strategy
Plan your software update strategy with minimal system downtime. Minimise security vulnerabilities, while ensuring that your system is updated and supportable.
4. Automate your backup procedure
Do not rely on manual backups and ensure that you have a restore plan in place. Your system can be automated to regularly backup files and data to a secure remote location. System restore procedures need to be straight forward and verified.
5. Be aware of your systems interoperability
Systems have a wide range of interfaces that can enable you to retrieve, share and publish data. Understand the unharnessed ability of your system and allow people access to audience specific data.
6. Refine your alarming strategy
Increase plant availability and productivity by targeting the alarm conditions that have the greatest effect on production, through detailed alarm occurrence and duration analysis and reporting.
7. Interact through mobile devices
Provide operators with a mobile interface to plant operation, providing increased productivity. Allowing engineers to work directly at the plant provides far greater effectiveness. Schedule live production reports to plant supervisors for greater visibility.
8. Understand how to optimise & interpret your historical data
Gain insight and understanding as to how data storage should be optimised and the most appropriate method of data retrieval; in order to give the end user the most accurate representation of actual plant activity.
To see how Astec can help contact us.