Test & measurement
By creating a so-called master data connector with Netilion Connect in the background, for the first time it is possible to directly exchange Netilion data with the respective database fields in SAP.
digital twin in the cloud. The functionality of the system even extends beyond the pure identification of the replacement parts or replacement instruments. Assuming appropriate implementation of and connectivity to the respective manufacturer’s SAP system, the order can be triggered directly in SAP. This saves considerable time and minimises the risk of incorrect orders.
The advantage of synchronising both databases is also evident during operation of the plant. One of the more time-consuming tasks of service and maintenance staff is the seamless documentation of configuration changes in the field instruments or documentation of calibration activities. In this case, the employees frequently read out the configuration data and allocate it to the respective instrument. With the Field Xpert SMT70 tablet PC (or Field Xpert SMT77 for Ex
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applications in Zone 1) from Endress+Hauser and its native integration into the Netilion platform, the documentation upload and storage is completely automated. As soon as a configuration change is made and stored in the Field Xpert industrial tablet, this information is attached to the respective field instrument via Netilion Library during the next internet session. This eliminates the need for the technician to manually allocate the information, which not only saves an enormous amount of time but drastically reduces the risk of an incorrect allocation. Through this simplified workflow, SAP Business Network for Asset Management users have access to the maintenance and calibration documentation in complete form.
ELECTRONIC PROJECT DOCUMENTATION HANDOVER
The interface can also be utilised as a tool for a complete digital project handover. Excel tables are still frequently used during the project phase. Once the instruments are finally ordered, the documentation is made available in either paper form or as an electronic download. In addition, the digital twin in the user’s SAP system still has to be manually created and filled with content. Integration of the SAP master data can significantly simplify the workflow in this situation. As soon as the ordered field instrument leaves the manufacturer’s plant, a digital twin is created in the Endress+Hauser Netilion ecosystem, which contains all of the relevant documents related to the instrument. This information is then sent via the interface to the user’s SAP Business Network for Asset Management. The user now has the necessary asset information for every instrument, as well as for every measuring point provided it is known at the time.
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS
Once the onboarding of the assets is complete and the digital twins of the field instruments are created, this provides the foundation for further use cases that are part of more complex service and maintenance issues. By linking the SAP Business Network for Asset Management system with the installed base via edge devices, plant operators can easily monitor the condition of the assets. The information that is available in the system can in turn be used for targeted maintenance measures without experiencing delays. In the future, the focus will increasingly shift from pure condition monitoring of the linked assets to predictive maintenance.
DATA INTEGRATION CREATES DIRECT ADDED VALUE Today, integration of the SAP master data already makes it possible to quickly and easily transfer the core instrument data of assets in the process control industry to the plant operator’s SAP systems and unleash direct added value for the users. As noted previously, this is due to improved availability of the asset information; highly simplified replacement parts management; complete, error- free and time-saving documentation; and functions for more complex service and maintenance issues, all the way to condition monitoring and the vision of genuine predictive maintenance. Apart from SAP Business Network for Asset Management, other systems have already been connected by Endress+Hauser in a similar way. Generally speaking, this type of connectivity offers plant operators and users added value because it ensures an open system environment and exploitation of the data potential.
Endress+Hauser
www.endress.com January 2024 Instrumentation Monthly
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