Intelligent field devices, pervasive in modern process manufacturing, bring the promise of transforming the way information is utilized, related to these devices and the processes they control. For example, devices with impending maintenance problems can report themselves directly to process automation systems or plant asset management systems for repair or replacement.
In many cases, this promise remains unrealized, however, often because users are employing old maintenance work processes. The intelligent devices and applications are installed, but operators and technicians stick to traditional approaches for preventive or routine maintenance.
As ISA108 Managing Director Ian Verhappen of Yokogawa Canada points out, “With more than 80 percent of smart instrument data not being used or even connected to an online data collection system, the lost revenues to the process industries are tremendous.”
ISA108 will hold an initial meeting on 24 September 2012 in Orlando, Florida, USA, in conjunction with ISA Automation Week 2012. However, the bulk of the committee’s work will be conducted electronically. Those interested in participating should contact Ellen Fussell Policastro of ISA Standards ([email protected]).
