INSIGHTS THINK AGAIN
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Moving toward automation interoperability More than 30 organizations developed the next version of the Open Process Automation Standard (O-PAS). A secure, standard and interoperable process control system architecture is the goal.
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oal by 2025 to 2026 is commer- exchange, function blocks, and interface cially available, interoperable execution engines as well as physical platprocess control system hard- form standard and security that will allow ware and software. ExxonMobil suppliers to build products to the standard. and seven collaboration partners (Aram• O-PAS Version 3 will address applico Services, BASF, ConocoPhillips, Dow, cation portability and orchestration. Georgia Pacific, Linde and • Work is underway to Reliance Industries Ltd.) are deploy the first wave of conforworking in the Open Process mance certification to reassure Automation Forum (OPAF). the market on 100% conforThe ExxonMobil testbed mance to the specification. in The Woodlands, Texas, will OPAF is moving ahead with be followed by field trials and an O-PAS adoption workshop commercial deployment of a to launch the marketplace and standards-based, secure and ecosystem. Mark T. Hoske, interoperable distributed con- Content Manager • End users test beds are evaltrol system (DCS) infrastrucuating multiple prototype disture, said Dominic (Nick) tributed control node products. Clausi, vice president of engineering, A DCN allows applications to reside where ExxonMobil Research and Engineering they make sense. at ARC Forum by ARC Advisory Group. Dave Emerson, director, U.S. TechnolMore than 100 members are involved ogy Center, Yokogawa, described O-PAS with OPAF, four have announced a devel- as a standard of standards, referencing opment system. There are more than 20 eight standards in its seven parts. Think hardware and software suppliers and five again about interoperability and intermajor DCS suppliers. changeability across vendors, platforms, devices and systems.
Comment on O-PAS V2.1
According to an ARC Advisory Group summary, from the session “Open Process Automation: Where will end users find value?” Harry Forbes, research director, automation, ARC Advisory Group, said: • O-PAS V2.1 is nearly ready for preliminary release; it contains critical elements describing the information
ONLINE Automation-related standards support interoperability efforts. A few include: Open Process Automation Forum www.opengroup.org/forum/ open-process-automation-forum Open Manufacturing Platform https://Open-manufacturing.org OPC Foundation www.opcfoundation.org The Mechanical Engineering Industry Association www.vdma.org/en/
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March 2021
Interoperability: “I’ll buy it”
The O-PAS v2.1 update delivers control functionality, function blocks and alarms, and cybersecurity has been applied to all 12 parts. The group is accepting feedback from those interested. By using the new structures, a modular system can be setup with existing brownfield applications, then switched over, simplifying integration, according to Jacco Opmeer, program manager, DCS strategies, Shell Global Solutions. Opmeer said it’s very difficult to add technology to existing systems, but that will change. Julie Smith, global automation and process control leader, DuPont, said products are under development. “Whoever makes it, I will buy it,” she said. “We want and need this technology.” ce
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Editorial Advisory Board
www.controleng.com/EAB Doug Bell, president, InterConnecting Automation, www.interconnectingautomation.com David Bishop, chairman and a founder Matrix Technologies, www.matrixti.com Daniel E. Capano, senior project manager, Gannett Fleming Engineers and Architects, www.gannettfleming.com Frank Lamb, founder and owner Automation Consulting LLC, www.automationllc.com Joe Martin, president and founder Martin Control Systems, www.martincsi.com Rick Pierro, president and co-founder Superior Controls, www.superiorcontrols.com Mark Voigtmann, partner, automation practice lead Faegre Baker Daniels, www.FaegreBD.com
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