Virtual-Role Messaging for Industrial Automation Work Orders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional communication methods in industrial automation networks, such as SCADA and MES systems, lack interactive and dynamic capabilities for exchanging information between users and automation devices, particularly in scenarios with shifting roles and responsibilities, and are not suited for the unique requirements of industrial settings.
Innovation Solution
A messaging service with virtual roles is introduced, allowing for the creation of communication forums automatically linked to work orders, enabling direct and bidirectional communication between users and automation devices, with roles reassigned based on shift schedules and access rights, and messages archived for efficient storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional communication methods (SCADA, MES, comments) are used, then system structure is simple, but information exchange is not interactive and cannot support dynamic role changes
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into multiple virtual roles (operator role, engineer role, etc.) that can be independently configured and assigned to different users. Each virtual role represents a specific function or responsibility within the industrial automation system, allowing the communication system to adapt to different operational scenarios without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The messaging service is designed as a universal communication platform that can serve multiple functions: exchanging information between users, notifying users about work orders, enabling collaborative problem-solving, and supporting shift handovers. This multi-functional design allows a single system to replace multiple specialized communication tools.
2Loss of information
If traditional comment fields in work orders are used, then system complexity is low, but information is only read at the beginning and cannot be updated during ongoing tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The messaging service implements a feedback mechanism where users can send messages to virtual roles associated with work orders at any stage of execution. The receiving user gets notifications and can respond, creating a continuous information loop that keeps all stakeholders updated throughout the task lifecycle, not just at the beginning.
Solution Approach 2:
Virtual roles are pre-configured and associated with specific work order types or automation devices before tasks begin. This preliminary setup enables immediate interactive communication as soon as a work order is created or assigned, without requiring ad-hoc configuration during task execution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional chat systems are used, then individual communication is flexible, but they cannot support shift work and on-demand resource allocation for orders
Solution Approach 1:
Virtual roles act as intermediaries between users and work orders. Instead of users directly chatting about specific tasks, they communicate through the virtual role that represents the work order or automation device. This intermediary layer enables seamless handover between shift workers and ensures that information is consistently accessible regardless of which user is currently active.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns users to virtual roles based on shift schedules and task requirements. A user can be assigned to a virtual role for the duration of their shift or until a task is completed, allowing the system to adapt to changing operational conditions while maintaining continuous communication access.
4Productivity
If virtual roles and automatic forum creation are implemented, then communication efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Virtual roles are pre-configured with specific permissions, associations with automation devices, and message templates before the system goes live. This preliminary configuration reduces the complexity of runtime operations, as the system only needs to match users with pre-defined roles rather than creating complex access controls dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The messaging service automatically creates communication forums when work orders are generated or when users need to communicate about specific automation devices. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual forum creation and management, improving communication efficiency while the system handles the complexity of forum management automatically.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for simplifying operation for users (U1, U2, U3) of an industrial automation network (10) with a plurality of automation devices (51, 52, 53), wherein in the automation network (10) work orders (O1, O2, O3) for the automation devices (51, 52, 53) are managed and transmitted via a communication network (101), wherein a messaging service (103) is operated for exchanging messages (Ni) between participants (Te) with a participant list (104), the participant list (104) is pre-populated with virtual roles (VR1, VR2, VR3) as participants (Te) and thus the participants (Te) in the participant list (104) become variable participants (Te), wherein the virtual roles (VR1, VR2, VR3) are the users (U1, U2, U3), the work orders (O1, O2, O3) or the automation devices. (51, 52, 53) will be assigned.