Proactive predictive maintenance and fixes improve operating costs for Foxboro I/A Series users

Phil Black - PII Editor 22/04/2013

165 2 minutes read

Proactive predictive maintenance and fixes improve operating costs for Foxboro I/A Series users — RemoteWatch solution

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Invensys Operations Management has updated its RemoteWatch solution, which proactively monitors the status and health of users’ Foxboro I/A Series distributed control systems. The updated version makes life simpler for I/A Series customers with several new features, including the ability to automatically and securely store system backups; the ability to troubleshoot network switch issues; and stronger cyber security defense.

Product Overview:
RemoteWatch allows Invensys customers to focus on running and optimizing the plant, while the Invensys solution remotely detects, responds to and resolves systems issues. With its diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities, improved reporting capabilities and enhanced cyber security, the solution helps decrease maintenance costs, maximize asset availability and drive overall operations efficiency.

RemoteWatch continuously monitors the performance and health of the Foxboro I/A Series system, particularly operating KPI’s, and proactively detects issues like available memory, CRC errors and other systems alarms and trends at an early stage. RemoteWatch transmits the results of the analysis using secure communications protocols. Then, using applications that reside in a RemoteWatch server located at the customer site, as well as servers located at an Invensys operations center, Invensys experts analyze the performance of the DCS. Once identified, the company works with its customer to take quick and corrective actions, reducing the risk of unexpected production downtime.

New features include Remote Backup Service, which allows users to automatically store systems backups securely on the RemoteWatch server; Netsight Console, which enables local and remote engineers to troubleshoot network issues; and Data Diode, a fail-safe mechanism that enforces one-way communications transmission and provides a barrier between the Remote Watch serve and the I/A Series DCS. The device cannot be breached by remote cyber attack, helping to meet higher levels of cyber security compliance. Furthermore, RemoteWatch can now push and install Foxboro I/A Series product quick fixes and McAfee anti-virus onto the DCS locally. Customers no longer need to login to the Invensys website to review the latest systems patches, and they can view the availability of the latest anti-virus file on their LocalWatch interface to determine if they are applicable to their DCS. If appropriate, they can install the patches during normal maintenance cycles, all without leaving the RemoteWatch server.

Benefits:
The solution allows technicians to perform higher value tasks, while providing the highest level of security in the history of remote login technology. With RemoteWatch there is no need to bring in on-site engineering to resolve systems breakdowns, and because it can detect, identify and resolve systems issues, it helps reduce maintenance costs, increase DCS ROI and maximize system uptime, all leading to improved operating efficiency and profitability.

Where can I see more?
RemoteWatch Services is available to members of the company’s Customer FIRST Premium and Customer FIRST Elite programs. Customer FIRST offers comprehensive technical support, software maintenance and professional services to help users achieve success with their Invensys solutions. To learn more about RemoteWatch, please visit http://iom.invensys.com/EN/Pages/Services_RemoteServices.aspx.