Industrial Automation Messaging With Virtual Roles for Shift Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional communication systems in industrial automation networks are inadequate for real-time information exchange and interactive problem-solving among different user roles, as they lack bidirectional communication and are not suitable for shift-based operations, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A modified chat system that utilizes virtual roles to manage work orders and enable selective message exchange between users and automation devices, allowing for automatic creation of communications forums and bidirectional linking of participants, with virtual roles assigned based on shift schedules and access rights, and integrating process variables and display objects for enhanced information sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional alarm systems and comments are used for communication, then information can be transmitted to users, but bidirectional interactive communication is not possible and shift-based operations cannot be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically assigns virtual roles to users based on shift schedules and work order requirements. Users can be assigned multiple virtual roles that activate at different times, enabling the system to adapt to shift-based operations while maintaining continuous coverage for work orders
Solution Approach 2:
Virtual roles serve as intermediaries between users and work orders. Instead of direct user-to-work order communication, the system uses virtual roles as mediators that can be assigned to multiple users across different shifts, enabling indirect but continuous communication coverage
2Loss of information
If comment fields in job orders are used for information exchange, then initial information can be provided, but real-time updates and questions cannot be exchanged during task execution
Solution Approach 1:
The chat system enables bidirectional feedback between users and work orders. Users can ask questions and receive real-time responses, and system notifications automatically alert users to new messages, creating a continuous feedback loop that maintains information completeness throughout task execution
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-assigns virtual roles to users based on shift schedules before work orders are executed. This preliminary assignment ensures that appropriate users are automatically notified and can participate in communications from the start of task execution, eliminating delays in information exchange
3Ease of operation
If traditional chat systems are used in industrial environments, then individual communication is possible, but safety concerns arise and industrial-specific requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple functions into a single integrated platform: work order management, shift scheduling, role assignment, and secure chat communication. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate traditional chat systems while providing industrial-specific safety and operational features
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages user assignments to virtual roles based on shift schedules and work order requirements. Users are automatically notified of their assignments and can access relevant communications without manual intervention, reducing human error and improving safety
Data Source
AI summary
Method for facilitating operations for users of an industrial automation network with a plurality of automation devices, wherein work orders for the automation devices are managed in the automation network and are transmitted via a communications network, where a message service for exchanging messages between participants is operated with a list of participants that is prepopulated with virtual roles as participants such that the participants in the list of participants become variable participants, and where the users, the work orders or the automation devices are assigned to the virtual roles.