Field Device Configuration Records for Faster Plant Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for setting up and configuring field devices in industrial environments are linear, requiring completion of earlier steps before proceeding, which increases time and resource intensity in deploying new or upgraded plant facilities.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating and storing device configuration data records simultaneously with field device manufacture, procurement, and installation, allowing for parallel processing of device configuration and platform setup, enabling efficient configuration of field devices and plant resource management systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional linear methods are used for setting up and configuring field devices, then proper configuration and setup are ensured, but the process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating device configuration data records before the actual field devices are installed. The system creates configuration records with device identity information, device-class information, and configuration parameters in advance, so that when devices are physically installed, the configuration is already prepared and can be automatically applied, eliminating the need for manual configuration after installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating digital representations of field devices in the form of device configuration data records. These records contain copied information from device manuals, specifications, and identity data, allowing the system to work with digital copies rather than physical devices during the configuration preparation phase, thereby saving time and enabling parallel processing.
2Reliability
If configuration is done sequentially after device installation, then proper integration is achieved, but the overall deployment process becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs configuration preparation in advance by generating device configuration data records that include device identity information, device-class information, and configuration parameters before devices are installed. This preliminary configuration work can be done in parallel with device procurement and installation, significantly improving deployment efficiency while maintaining integration accuracy through automated matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the plant resource management server continuously monitors device installation status and automatically retrieves corresponding configuration data records. The system uses feedback from device identity information to match and apply the correct configuration parameters, ensuring proper integration while automating the process to improve productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration methods are used, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but labor resources and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with an automated information-based system. The plant resource management server automatically retrieves device identity information, matches it with device-class information, and applies configuration parameters without manual intervention. This substitution maintains configuration precision while eliminating the complexity of manual processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital copying of device configuration data from manuals and specifications into structured device configuration data records. This copying process automates the transfer of precise configuration information from source documents to the management system, maintaining configuration precision while reducing manual effort and process complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention enables registration and configuration of field devices through a plant resource management system. A server receives device identity information corresponding to a plurality of field devices intended to be communicably coupled with the plant resource management system. For each field device, the device identity information includes a device identifier and device-class information. The server generates a configuration data record for each field device. Generating a configuration data record includes (i) identifying a device-class for a field device, (ii) retrieving configuration information for the device-class, (iii) associating the configuration information with the unique device identifier, and (iv) generating a data record comprising the configuration information and the unique device identifier. The field devices are thereafter communicably coupled with the plant resource management system and device configuration parameters within local memory of each field device are modified based on configuration information from the data record corresponding to such field device.