Plants can be planned and optimized with a I&C-CAE system. This article explains exactly what a I&C-CAE system is and in which areas they can simplify industrial processes.
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What is an I&C-CAE-System?
With an instrumentation and planning system, I&C-CAE system or just CAE system, models for production plants and instrumentation and contol systems (I&C) can be developed and planned with the help of computer aided engineering (CAE).
A CAE-system is designed to project and plan processes from the production facilities. Engineers are supported by the integrated planning process and can therefore access all relevant information at any time.
I&C-CAE-Systems for more efficiency in the industry
Today's production sites often consist of many different plant components that are built and completed at different times. This is often accompanied by a multitude of different software for the various components and planning phases.
In the daily work routine, this can make the operation of the systems and also the exchange of data more difficult. This is where modern CAE systems help.
ProDOK is a I&C-CAE system that enables an integrated planning process. It supports basic, functional, execution and assembly planning of plants as well as operational support. Due to the continuous and consistent documentation, it reflects the actuality of the plant in the documentation.
LiveDok is a software for electronic plant documentation. Once all components of a plant have been recorded in the CAE system ProDOK, the documentation can be viewed, supplemented and edited via LiveDOK from any terminal on the intranet using a web browser - with functions such as individual QR codes, photo markup or redline.
Integration of I&C CAE systems
Depending on the construction period of plants, the use of CAE systems was often not yet planned at the time of construction. In these cases, the system must be subsequently integrated into the existing IT environment.
To ensure that the integration of this data into the existing system landscape functions smoothly, reliable import adapters are essential.
Plant design often involves different EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) companies, each of which uses its own tools and programs to generate the process engineering data. However, this is not a problem, as there are suitable adapters that enable data exchange between the different systems using modern RestAPI interfaces.
The EPC companies submit the equipment data and signals in a predefined standard XLS format, which is recognized by the import module and automatically transferred to the planning system. Here, changed data is highlighted and logged. The information about who made which changes and when, and the status of the data are also recorded.
The corresponding revision technology and knowledge of the source systems is integrated in the adapter to ensure audit-proof data exchange. This makes it possible to manage the process engineering data of all EPC companies centrally in the planning system and to keep it up to date at all times.
Secure data exchange within an I&C-CAE system
In order to ensure a secure data exchange within the system, there are various interfaces. For example, there are audit-proof interfaces for SmartPlant P&ID, AutoCAD P&ID or similar systems. The adapters can also map industry-standard standards for data exchange such as ISO15926 or CAEX.
I&C-CAE system from Rösberg compatible with modern systems worldwide
The use of Microsoft.NET Framework 4.5 and Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) in the user interface has many advantages for the user. The user interface separates function and design, resulting in optimal display of vector graphics at any resolution on all devices.
ProDOK NG can also be used in the cloud, which enables simultaneous work at multiple locations around the world. Automatic revision management ensures that changed or deleted data and documents are always marked and their status is always visible. The adapters can also help translate data in different languages.
Simple plant planning and documentation with ProDOK and LiveDOK
A reliable consistency between plant reality and documentation is essential in order to avoid cost-intensive new entries and engineering effort. Integrated planning and documentation with ProDOK and LiveDOK, as well as uniform data management, can save companies time and money.
The use of standard libraries and the ability to collaborate across sites can reduce engineering effort and avoid unnecessary re-entry. Quick access to up-to-date and consistent documentation allows plant personnel to work more effectively and respond to problems faster.
All the information for measurement and control technology is stored in a standardized system and can be used company-wide.
In addition, all installed components of the same type can be found by request in order to take appropriate measures. When testing all I&C safety components, a test instruction and a test protocol can be stored in ProDOK for each device in order to keep the documentation up to date here as well.
Conclusion on the use of the I&C-CAE system
Although the initial effort required to collect information can be high, the use of standard libraries offers the advantage of group-wide use that can even be adapted internationally. If problems occur with a component or a deployed device is no longer available, all other installed components of the same type can be quickly identified by simply consulting this information.
Checking all protective devices in an extensive plant can be very complex. Although the SAP system usually triggers the check, it does not provide instructions on how to perform it. With ProDOK, a test instruction and a test protocol can be stored for each I&C safety device that needs to be checked after certain cycles. The inspector only has to fill in and sign the protocol. This data is then also available in the plant documentation.
Overall, ProDOK and LiveDOK enable a better control and overview of plants, which can lead to higher efficiency and lower costs. Instead of many different documents in different formats such as Excel, PDF or CAD, all information for measurement and control technology is available here in one consistent system and in a standardized form.
Using a PDA or tablet PC, the plant maintenance engineer can access the current documentation at any time and make changes directly on his portable device. The changes are stored in a central location and are immediately available to all plant employees. For example, the plant maintenance team can respond more quickly to problems because they have access to the digital PCE documentation.