ABB’s Asset Optimization PAM

January 11, 2008
By Wil Chin, ARC

ABB recently briefed ARC on its 800xA Asset Optimization PAM (Plant Asset Management) solution.  ABB’s 800xA’s Asset Optimization provides real-time monitoring, notification and maintenance workflow process optimization for automation and production equipment, as well as plant infrastructure and IT assets.  800xA Asset Optimization brings all asset applications, including disparate information in automation and monitoring systems, together in a single user interface to provide a comprehensive view of the health and performance of all critical assets in the enterprise. 

Users are not required to have System 800xA to take advantage of Asset Optimization.  Some Asset Optimization users integrate the solution with Infi90 and Advant/Master Systems, as well as a competitive DCS.  Additionally, Asset Optimization can be fully integrated into any computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution.

ABB Asset Monitors, a key component of ABB’s PAM solution, analyze and examine asset health by deploying specialized analysis software for various asset classes to detect abnormal operating conditions and changes in status.  ABB’s family of asset monitors includes traditional field devices and complex production equipment.  Current Asset Monitors include solutions for instrumentation, heat exchangers, motor control and protection, rotating and reciprocating assets, IT assets and customized monitors for customer specific assets.  800xA Asset Optimization acquires, analyzes and reports asset status and current conditions from multiple OPC data sources, including 3rd party process control systems.  This is done in real time.  Data is then analyzed and measured against OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and other key performance indicators.

The Asset Optimization views are accessible from the control system and from a thin client web browser; making it suitable for remote diagnostics.  ABB Remote Diagnostic Services provide real time visibility into equipment performance.  Support specialists track equipment usage and performance, deliver software upgrades, perform maintenance checks, and in some cases, execute repairs.  The combination of remote dispatching via wireless devices to remote users and the ability to remotely access 800xA asset conditions translates into increased response times and decreased maintenance costs.

Other unique features such as SMS (short message service) and e-mail messaging are available to ABB Asset Optimization users.  Users can reduce “wait time” by getting automated alarms, abnormal event notifications and messages to appropriate personnel in time to take corrective action.  SMS communicates with key and remote plant personnel in real-time to notify them of critical events via mobile telephones, e-mail accounts and pagers.

ABB’s recent introduction of Asset Master, a device management application that runs on Windows-based PCs without an ABB control system is aimed at smaller end users who may have hundreds, rather than thousands of field devices installed.  Although it can be integrated into an ABB control system solution, the modular, local solution is capable of monitoring up to 500 field devices online.  Asset Master can manage diverse products such as transmitters, flowmeters, analyzers, actuators and control valves from ABB and other vendors in a multi-communication protocol environment including HART, PROFIBUS and FOUNDATION FIELDBUS using its FDT based solution.

ABB’s strong service-based business significantly bolsters their PAM brand awareness and helps to further expand the company’s PAM business.  ABB has one of the largest service portfolios of any automation supplier worldwide, covering a broad range of industries.  ABB’s strong market penetration and expertise in several vertical markets, such as the Oil & Gas and Mining industries, has helped to boost the company’s position in the PAM market.  Service contracts provide opportunities for ABB to showcase their PAM expertise by exploiting their deep service knowledge of plant assets to structure valuable PAM solutions appropriate to the needs of manufacturers across many industries.

ABB’s late entrance into the PAM market has enabled them to include innovative features and functionality in their offering.  ABB’s Asset Optimization portfolio not only offers a PAM software solution but also the necessary services for its sustainability including Reliability Services, Full Service Sites, Implementation Services and Remote Diagnostic Services.  ARC views ABB’s investment in PAM solutions promising, particularly its implementation flexibility, breadth of assets, and deep services capability.  The challenge for end users is navigating the breadth of ABB options to determine the appropriate strategy for their unique needs.