PROCESS CONTROL
Digital process architecture
With Version 5.0, Siemens has now enabled its XHQ Operations Intelligence software to be used on mobile devices
The most obvious manifestation of Internet of Things( IoT) solutions in mining is in mineral process plant operation, where greater digitalisation is taking data management beyond the control room into cloud-connected applications, allowing for more remote control and anaylsis.
Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation, recently announced the launch of its next generation EcoStruxure™ architecture and platform to deliver IoT-enabled solutions“ at scale” for industry.“ The enhanced architecture and platform is open, scalable and interoperable, connecting the three core layers of Schneider Electric’ s technology stack, from connected products, to edge control, to applications, analytics and services. This next generation EcoStruxure delivers enhanced value around safety, reliability, efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity of IoT-enabled operations.”
The company says that EcoStruxure enables it and its partners and end-user customers to develop scalable and converged IT / OT solutions“ that deliver innovation at every level to an
There is a big push in process control for digital solutions, particularly having data available and managed through cloudbased technology as well as physically on site, reports Paul Moore
organisation or enterprise. Leveraging connectivity and data to create controls and actionable business insights, with the combined power of analytics and closed-loop applications, Schneider Electric empowers customers and partners to augment operations to reach new levels of operational efficiency, sustainability, asset performance and people productivity. EcoStruxure fosters open innovation and interoperability and is developed in partnership with leading standards organisations and bestin-class technology leaders.”
“ EcoStruxure combines our history in pioneering in energy management, automation and deep domain expertise with data-driven metrics and analytics to help us maximise the value of the Internet of Things for our customers,” said Dr Prith Banerjee, Chief Technology Officer, Schneider Electric.“ EcoStruxure gives our customers the platform, architecture and roadmap to quickly and easily implement IoT in an enterprise, extending the benefits of IoT beyond the device layer to create a more intelligent, efficient and secure operation.”
EcoStruxure builds on Schneider Electric’ s
long-standing product and system leadership to provide it says the industry’ s most comprehensive portfolio of interoperable and cloud-connected and / or on-premises technologies organised around its three layers of technology innovation.
The first layer builds on Schneider Electric’ s core competency in developing connected products with embedded intelligence, such as sensors, medium and low voltage breakers, drives and actuators. The Edge Control layer gives organisations the critical capability to manage their operations on-premises as well as from the cloud depending on their needs. This includes connected control platforms with remote access, advanced automation and operator override capabilities. Local control and firewall protection is included to maximise the benefits especially for mission-critical applications.
“ Schneider Electric’ s focused investment in R & D and product development in the critical areas of software, analytics and services, coupled with the integration of recent acquisitions such as Invensys, Telvent and Summit Energy forms the third layer of the stack – a portfolio of apps, analytics and services. EcoStruxure enables the most extensive breadth of vendor-agnostic apps, analytics and services on open IP protocols in order to work with any hardware, system, or control.”
“ Our innovation technology stack is critical to our open innovation approach, designed to deliver the most innovative IoT-enabled solutions to our customers,” added Banerjee.“ Introducing a comprehensive suite of apps, analytics and services built on the capabilities from within Schneider Electric and our network of partners and developers, enables our customers to benefit from open, interoperable and future-proof solutions that maximise the value, performance, reliability and efficiency of their entire operation and enterprise over time.”
The launch of the EcoStruxure platform Schneider says provides a secure, IoT-enabled technology backbone with three core technology capabilities: n Embedded connectivity and intelligence that enables smart sensing, embedded computing, IP networking and edge analytics n A foundation for smart operations to serve as the building blocks for control, management, automation and optimisation n The infrastructure for cloud-connected digital services that enables the delivery of cloud-based connected apps, analytics, services, control and monitoring“ Our advanced platform connects the three
8 International Mining | JANUARY 2017