Yokogawa has announced the addition of new functions to the Centum VP integrated production control system, which will be released as Centum VP R6.06. The enhancements include the addition of support for Windows Server 2016, a modification that enables FCS programs to be upgraded with minimal interruption to operations, and the addition of a function to the Automation Design Suite (AD Suite) integrated engineering environment that allows minor modifications to be made to application software during witness inspections. This is in addition to the bulk editing function (already provided with AD Suite) and improves engineering efficiency to help customers improve productivity.
Centum VP provides an optimum operation, monitoring, and engineering environment for the entire plant lifecycle, from initial design, engineering, installation of systems and equipment, through start-up to full operation, maintenance and end of service. Yokogawa has continued to enhance this system to ensure optimal performance. As full backwards compatibility is assured, users always have the option of updating their system to make full use of the latest technologies.
Although FCS software is usually upgraded when plants are periodically shut down for large-scale maintenance, some users have indicated that they would like to be able to choose when to perform these upgrades. Therefore, a function has been added that enables these upgrades to be performed while the FCS is operating. The functionality of the AD Suite engineering tool has also been improved. Combined with the control system virtualisation platform that was released last year, this helps to improve system maintenance and reduces the risk of project delays.
Enhancements
1. Updating of software while FCS is operating
Work that would normally have to wait several years until a shutdown maintenance period, can now be done at a time of the user’s own choosing. This is possible because of modifications to the Centum VP software that enable a smoother switchover between the dual-redundant control and standby side CPU modules. This improves both uptime and allows users to choose when to install upgrades. In addition, Yokogawa has enhanced its support organisation to ensure that its customers receive all necessary technical support with their system maintenance activities. With this new version of Centum VP, downtime is eliminated, productivity is enhanced, and users are able to take advantage of the latest control technologies.
2. Ability to perform minor modifications to applications software more easily
Originally developed by Yokogawa for use with Centum VP R6.01, the AD Suite integrated engineering environment greatly improves the efficiency of engineering throughout the plant lifecycle. For this latest version of the control platform, modifications have been made to AD Suite that give users the ability to implement modifications to application control logic and alarm attributes quickly and easily. Such modifications to system software can be immediately executed with the single action of clicking on an icon on the editor screen. This function greatly reduces the amount of time needed to make such modifications, and users are able to choose whether to implement changes singly or in groups.
3. Compatibility with the latest server operating systems
Centum VP R6.06 is compatible with Windows Server 2016, which delivers the latest security functions.
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