DCS offers custom access by job function

giving staff from all areas of manufacturing (maintenance, process engineering, production management and plant operations) access to customised information according to their job function. This information is extracted from the same source database but is delivered direct to their desk in a format suited to that user. System 800xA (for extended automation), part of ABB's Industrial IT suite, is able to tap into valuable information from periphery devices and assets that previously may have been ignored. In effect, ABB has expanded the role of the traditional DCS by extracting information relating to drives, field devices, batch management, motors and low voltage control gear. The system should help users avoid information overload but also offers a single integrated platform of new software functions, including new tools for engineering design, fieldbus management, bulk data management, audit trail and integration with Intergraph's INtools CAD design software. The Process Portal operator interface shows any upset that occurs in production through its audible and visual alarm and it can group alarms to specific areas or object types. Remote staff can receive alerts via e-mail and SMS text messages and GSM mobile phone technology enables remote acknowledgement of notification and confirmation of receipt. DP Pointers * System 800xA now gives all areas of manufacturing customised access to information according to their job function via a desktop portal interface * New functions include engineering design, fieldbus management, bulk data management, audit trail and integration with Intergraph's INtools CAD design software * The Process Portal offers audible and visual production alarms and can group alarms to specific areas or object types