Automation System Offers Enhanced Visualization and Process Skid-Integration Capabilities

The latest release of the PlantPAx process automation system from Rockwell Automation was designed to allow companies across multiple industries to improve operator effectiveness with automated procedures, enhanced visualization and new skid-integration capabilities.

The system’s new sequencer tool enables companies to automate process procedures, perform system modifications and sequence actions directly through human-machine interface (HMI) faceplates. If a process change is necessary or an abnormal event occurs, a user with the appropriate log-in privileges can modify the sequence directly from the HMI screen, rather than waiting for a control system expert to modify the procedure code.

The PlantPAx system also includes a comprehensive HMI toolkit for effective display design and enhanced standards-based alarming. This allows the operator to focus directly on the process itself, potentially reducing system downtime and incidents. The latest PlantPAx system also features an enhanced independent workstation (or network station) that offers companies more flexibility in plant design – especially when integrating best-of-breed skids into multiple plants worldwide. 

For example, skid integration often requires custom data-mapping or duplicated code on the DCS. With the PlantPAx system, the skid-based controller can be added as a native controller to the system. Enhanced independent workstation capabilities help reduce the cost of integration by allowing the skid to share common infrastructure resources, such as user accounts and security settings, without losing application independence. This allows companies to leverage the specific application expertise of multiple skid vendors while providing a consistent operator experience.