IT in Manufacturing


Yokogawa releases Plant Resource Manager R4.01

June 2018 IT in Manufacturing

Yokogawa has released version R4.01 of the Plant Resource Manager (PRM) software tool for centrally managing large amounts of data from plant monitoring and control devices as well as manufacturing equipment. PRM R4.01, an upgrade to R3.31, has been significantly enhanced with a new function that provides statistical data needed to identify the overall status of the devices in a plant. Through the provision of information that is essential for efficient maintenance and optimum operations, this new PRM release will help to ensure plant safety.

Manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to improve maintenance efficiency by using software tools like PRM that can centrally manage large amounts of maintenance information and other types of data from plant monitoring and control devices as well as manufacturing equipment, and for quickly identifying device failures that could interfere with the safe operation of plants. To better meet such needs, Yokogawa has reinforced the functions of PRM. With PRM R3.31, users have been able to access information needed to identify the operating status of individual devices. To address the need for a solution that would yield insights into the overall condition of the devices installed in a plant, Yokogawa has added a new status reporting function to R4.01. A new function that improves maintenance efficiency has also been added.

New enhancements feature the display of quantitative status information on all the devices in a plant and efficient setting of device parameters.

A function for the reporting of key performance indicators (KPIs) on field assets has been added to R4.01. With this function, PRM is able to create and display the following three KPIs: overall device effectiveness, the percentage of time that devices operate normally without alarms or events; time availability, the percentage of time that devices communicate normally with PRM; and performance availability, the percentage of time that devices operate and communicate normally with PRM. While the previous PRM release only provided information on individual devices, R4.01 has the added ability to display statistics on the operating status of all the devices in a plant. Thus PRM R4.01 can help operators detect potential device problems, identify and analyse failure causes and determine maintenance priorities. These KPIs can also be referred to when planning a maintenance schedule.

A template function for the setting of device parameters has been added to R4.01. Once parameters are set using this function, the template can be downloaded to multiple devices. This makes it easy to apply parameters to devices. When replacing one or more devices, their template can be used as is on the new device(s), or another template with different parameters that has been prepared in advance can be used. By making it easy to reset parameters, this function allows the immediate start up and use of the new device(s).

PRM is a software package that centrally manages large amounts of status and maintenance information from plant monitoring and control devices and manufacturing equipment. It supports major field digital communication protocols and can be used for devices and diagnosis and adjustment software tools from other manufacturers. It includes various maintenance support functions, including online functions for monitoring and diagnosing devices and equipment. It can work with the FieldMate device management software for setting, adjusting and managing field devices. Through FieldMate, the current device information stored in PRM can be checked in the field. For improved access to maintenance information, the PRM device information can also be accessed from any human interface station linked to the CENTUM VP integrated production control system.

Major target markets include industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, iron and steel, pulp and paper, electric power and wastewater treatment, in applications such as field device maintenance and startup and plant operation support.

For more information contact Christie Cronje, Yokogawa South Africa, +27 (0)11 831 6300, [email protected], www.yokogawa.com/za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

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...