A process control system functions as an industry’s brain and nervous system. Its quality and performance levels are vital because they ensure that all operations run smoothly. The process control system connects all automated elements in a manufacturing process. If you need leading process controls and other industrial software, making the most appropriate choice is essential.
The correct process control system will improve uptime, efficiency, and operational performance. You need to carefully select your process control system and a third-party vendor you can rely on to understand the unique platform requirements and optimize or upgrade it to your facility. This post will provide you with some handy tips to ensure you make the best choice when selecting a process control system. Your facility needs a process control system that demonstrates these features;
Accuracy
A process control system must be accurate to a fault. Ensure that any process control system you consider generates accurate data and information that can be relied upon to make decisions. An inaccurate process control system could be catastrophic in terms of safety and financial losses sustained. You do not want to select a process control system that diverts energy to low priority or non-existent problems. Similarly, the process control system should not fail to raise the alarm whenever a severe problem needs immediate attention.
Timeliness
A process control system operates all the processes in your facility. The system must maintain timeliness throughout. When situations require immediate attention, the process control system must relay this information to the decision-maker quickly. Failure to maintain timeliness could result in critical information becoming useless if it reaches the decision-maker after the damage has occurred. The right process control system will maintain a timely flow of information to allow for meaningful responses.
Flexibility
Your facility is probably quite dynamic. You will require a process control system that can keep up with technological advancements and your changing needs. Flexibility in planning and control is important to ensure that your facility runs optimally. The process control system must allow adjustments to cope with unexpected opportunities and threats. Modifications in controlling techniques and systems will become necessary as time passes. As such, the right process control system should be easy to update whenever needed.
Acceptability
Your process control system should be simple enough for all the people relying on it to understand and accept it fully. If you choose a process control system that is difficult to understand, the chances are high that it will cause unnecessary mistakes, frustrations and resentment among the staff. Ensure that the process control system you choose is appropriate for your facility and will not have a negative effect on organizational goals.
Integration
Your chosen process control system should be consistent with your corporate culture and values. Choosing a process control system in harmony with your organizational policies makes the integration and enforcement process straightforward. Once your process control system is integrated into your corporate environment, it will become much more effective.
Economic Feasibility
It would be best to weigh the cost of a process control system against its potential benefits. You need to ensure that the process control system is reasonable to operate and economically feasible. The benefits of implementing the process control system must outweigh the costs.
Strategic Placement
You need to apply a process control system to the aspect of your business that is likely to face the most significant harm because of a deviation from the expected standards. Choose a process control system that emphasizes strategic control points that cannot tolerate failure due to substantial money and time costs. The best process control system will prioritize the most critical parts of your process.
Corrective Action
Your process control system should check for and identify deviations and suggest the best solutions to the detected deviation. Ensure that the process control system you intend to purchase has robust corrective actions that will ensure your facility is running at optimum all the time.
Emphasis on Exception
Sound process control systems work on the exception principle. The process control system will only bring significant deviations to the management’s attention. The last thing you need is a process control system that wastes managerial resources even when things are running smoothly. The right process control system will direct managerial attention towards serious deviations only to eliminate unnecessary supervision and waste of managerial time.
Process control systems are not a one-size-fits-all product. Do your research and ensure you choose the most appropriate one for your facility.
