Ai2SA completes loop drawing project in record time
October 2016
IT in Manufacturing
Architects Integrating Industry (Ai2SA) was recently contracted to complete an instrument to PLC loop diagram project, which required around 13 different types of drawings, of which there were approximately 160 instances and some 8 500 variables. The project had a preliminary scope, but with no templates or standards, which had to be drawn up by Ai2SA.
Initially, Ai2SA used the traditional method of doing each loop one at a time manually. However, the client required the drawings fast and on a tight budget; the traditional method was taking too long. Therefore, in order to deliver on time, in budget and with high quality standards, Ai2SA made use of FDes, a Fieldbus/Control & Instrumentation design software package, developed by Dessoft. The design tool was used in conjunction with a third-party drawing program whereby FDes was integrated in to the drawing program templates by reference pointing the smart databases in FDes.
The instrumentation, cabling, wiring, junction box, field plugs, panels, PLC data etc. were all designed and built quickly and with 100% accuracy in FDes, using thorough quality control processes. Each drawing was then published onto the drawing software using the FDes export tools.
Typically, an equivalent project without FDes would take substantially longer, with the potential for unnecessary rework, which costs both the client and the contractor. By making use of FDes, the licence price is therefore easily absorbed by the project, the project timeline is significantly shortened and the margins realised are significantly higher.
Ai2SA always seeks to improve itself through continuous development by reviewing the latest technologies on the market and applying a ‘most economically, technically viable solution’ approach to design, programming and management of projects in order to deliver cutting edge, quality driven, optimal and cost effective solutions.
Post-mortem: lessons learnt on the project
• Project scope, deliverables list, templates and specifications should be specified at conception, or ideally during the tender/response stage.
• Change and risk management quality procedures should be enforced to ensure that project scope and budget is kept within limits to protect both the client and the contractor.
• Optimal resource management should be implemented whereby seniors’ middle and junior engineers’ times are appropriated in effective ratios such that senior resources provide oversight, internal technical briefs in the form of internal user requirements specifications and quality control. The middle and junior resources should collaborate to split and manage work so as to make the best use of time in order to fine tune the project budget.
• Dedicated training/mentoring time should be allowed for to ensure that resources are not placed on the ‘back-foot’ due to lack of experience.
• Communication must be maintained to avoid frustration and unnecessary overtime. It is imperative that all decisions, actions, and other discussions are recorded in writing and circulated to all those involved.
• Documents should always be transmitted and received following the proper document control procedures.
For more information contact Muhammad Babamia, Ai2SA, +27 (0)12 348 6124, [email protected], www.ai2sa.co.za
Further reading:
Buildings in Africa’s urban evolution
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Africa is now an urban continent. How does the continent mobilise to accommodate urban dwellers and maintain and implement critical infrastructure that allows for this expansion? Building management systems provide a tangible solution to optimise resource use, lower operations costs and ultimately contribute to a growing continent that also employs green practices.
Read more...
Black Rock Mining centralises mining operations with AVEVA
IT in Manufacturing
Black Rock Mine Operations replaced and upgraded its existing infrastructure, and installed additional capacity to expand production from 3 to 4,6 million tons in three years. The new system is powered by a suite of AVEVA solutions.
Read more...
The strategic role of technology in today’s economy
IT in Manufacturing
In an era of economic uncertainty and persistent market volatility, businesses are under immense pressure to manage costs while maintaining operational effectiveness. The role of chief information officers and chief technology officers has never been more critical, as they are tasked with leveraging technology not just as a tool for efficiency but as a strategic asset in navigating these turbulent times.
Read more...
Minutes to meltdown: surviving a cyber attack
IT in Manufacturing
Commvault recently hosted its Minutes to Meltdown event. Led by the company’s security experts, this was an interactive and detailed ransomware attack simulation designed to help companies understand how to respond in the event of a cyber attack.
Read more...
Siemens elevates automotive and aerospace simulation
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced the latest update to its Simcenter portfolio, delivering advancements in aerostructure analysis, electric motor design, gear optimisation and smart virtual sensing. These enhancements are designed to streamline workflows, accelerate certification and provide deeper insights into system performance.
Read more...
Automation in 2025: Navigating manufacturing innovation without the risk
IT in Manufacturing
During 2025, a wave of innovative technologies is expected to disrupt and change the way IT is applied to automation systems. The challenge lies in balancing the reliability of proven techniques with the potential of new technologies, all while minimising and controlling risk. This article explores ways to approach the latest information technologies effectively in a manufacturing context.
Read more...
South Africa’s AI revolution is here – but are we secure?
IT in Manufacturing
South African businesses are sprinting to embrace generative AI, lured by its potential to drive efficiency, productivity and innovation. But here’s the stark reality: without a rock-solid cybersecurity foundation, AI will become a Trojan horse, opening the floodgates to sophisticated cyber threats.
Read more...
Shaping data resilience strategies with AI and hybrid cloud solutions
IT in Manufacturing
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organisations are under growing pressure to secure their operations against increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats, including those that leverage AI to enhance the success rate of attacks. In this landscape, it has become essential to ‘fight fire with fire’ – harnessing AI as a means to counter these threats.
Read more...
Cloud or on-prem? Decoding the choices for South African enterprises
IT in Manufacturing
The debate between on-premise and cloud computing architectures remains a prominent topic among businesses, particularly in South Africa.
Read more...
Advancements in wire rope testing
IT in Manufacturing
Being able to get instant, real-time and portable detection of wire rope flaws can make a significant difference for operational teams. There have been a number of significant technological advancements and tools entering the market that help wire rope operators detect and resolve problems faster.
Read more...
printer friendly version