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2010/06/24

“OpSUITE Information Days” receives the thumbs up

Delegates who attended the two successful OpSUITE™ Information Days in Johannesburg and in Durban gave the event an overwhelming “Excellent” rating based on the feedback received afterwards.

The theme “Some things work better together” was illustrated through a series of interactive demos that showcased the OpSUITE solutions working in a typical control room environment. The integrated nature of plant operations requires that production logs, work orders, permits and SHEQ activities are all managed in a common system to improve productivity and operations performance.

ApplyIT is actively working on combining OpSUITE with SharePoint and some of these concepts were illustrated at the Johannesburg information days, held appropriately at the Microsoft office. The recent launch of Office 2010 and the new version of SharePoint unlock great opportunities for manufacturing companies which are further strengthened with a powerful transactional system (OpSUITE) running on SQL Server.

The underlying message was that when exceptional technologies from ApplyIT and Microsoft are combined with good people, plant performance can be improved dramatically, leading to improved throughput, less downtime, reduced waste, safer operations and ultimately improved profits.

The networking and discussion opportunities at these events prove to be invaluable to customers, partners and ApplyIT’s product team. The overall consensus is that attending Information Days is time well spent and the event format should be repeated in future!

Posted at 10:39 by Gavin Halse | Category: Operations Suite; FlexiLOG; IntelliPERMIT; OptiRUN; SmartSURE | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

2010/05/26

Feature Focus : FlexiLOG Trending

Continuing on from the previous post in the “Feature Focus” series, I’ve decided to highlight another great feature within FlexiLOG that is not always used but can provide insight into the current data that is captured within the logs.

Trending, the way it has been implemented within FlexiLOG, allows you to create a template with a section that deals with manual numeric data entry. The data being captured will create a visual indicator as to whether the current value is higher, lower or the same as the previous value captured. Below is an example of this is action.

But we do not stop there. Showing an indicator from the previous values captured is all good and well, but would it be more useful to have a trend over time of the data captured?!?

By clicking on the actual indicator (coloured arrow), a chart is generated which will show the previous ten values captured. Below is an example of this in action.

Having all this additional information at hand, would definitely provide any user with context to make better decisions on running his plant or any other situation that they might find themselves in.

It should be noted that the “Extended Validation” is part of Operations Suite 5.0, which is currently undergoing final development, and will be available during 2010.

Posted at 13:22 by Henry Fourie | Category: Feature Focus; FlexiLOG | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

2009/12/03

Technology Design objectives for OpSuite Version 5

The ApplyIT product team has been hard at work building the new version 5 of OpSuite and preparing for general availability in 2010. This version includes several functionality enhancements that have already been deployed at early adopter customers during the course of 2009. However many more enhancements are in progress and will be delivered within the next couple of months.

In summary

Version 5 is a major release of OpSuite with most of the changes taking place in the underlying technology. However the requirements of users have not been ignored and a significant effort is going into enhancing the Version 5 user interfaces while making the software more responsive, more user friendly and intuitive to use.

OpSuite 5.0 will focus on enhancements to the Foundation Server, FlexiLOG and IntelliPERMIT. Upgrades to OptiRUN and SmartSURE are planned in the subsequent version 5.1 release cycle shortly afterwards.

Design goals

The design intent of OpSuite 5.x is to extend the product reach through mobile technology, Microsoft SharePoint (MOSS) integration, improved workflow, new biometrics and security capabilities and integration points into third party systems such as SCADA, site access control etc. Furthermore the capabilities of all four modules will be leveraged to provide a comprehensive operations management and SHEQ system that will cover all aspects of operations and safety, from sustainability management and reporting right through to the plant operations themselves (e.g. permit to work and maintenance work orders). The overall capability is only available in OpSuite.

Module enhancements

IntelliPERMIT version 5 will including improvements to competencies, user management, isolation management, dual signature capability, enhanced editing capabilities and several user interface improvements based on leading technologies.

FlexiLOG version 5 will include improved data capture and validation capabilities, improved control of duplicate entries, improved linking and moving of information between logs, spell checks and enhanced templates. A major design goal of FlexiLOG 5.x is to deliver pre-packaged solution accelerators that fast track configuration and deployment of proven solutions for improving production processes. These solutions might include contractor management, enterprise level incident reporting and investigation to compliment and further enhance SmartSURE, surveys, workplace and job observation capabilities, risk assessment methodologies etc.

Overall the OpSuite foundation improvements include enhancements to reporting, KPI metrics and relevant dash board presentations.

Technology refresh

OpSuite version 5.0 introduces a full technology refresh with improved administration tools and several enhancements to facilitate deployment. The new version is built on new technology (Microsoft’s .NET) while maintaining compatibility with the underlying SQL server 2005 or 2008 database. Deployment will be enhanced through “click once” deployment technologies which will make administration of rich client installations and upgrades significantly more efficient.

To improve the user interface and enable rapid addition of new features going forward, the version 5 FlexiLOG and IntelliPERMIT applications will be delivered through a combination of Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) technology and ASP.NET applications.

The underlying reason for the technology refresh is to future proof OpSuite and benefit from the new technologies from Microsoft. Once our development environment is completely migrated to the latest Microsoft Visual Studio 2010, new capabilities and features will be built and deployed very quickly.

There is a tremendous amount of work being done to ensure that when Version 5 reaches general availability it will impress customers with a range of new capabilities that will continue to provide benefits into the future.

Posted at 16:18 by Gavin Halse | Category: Feature Focus; Operations Suite; FlexiLOG; IntelliPERMIT; OptiRUN; SmartSURE | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

2009/11/20

Exporting Opsuite Report Data to Excel

An often overlooked feature of the reports in Operations Suite is that they may be exported to a number of alternative formats such as PDF, TIFF and MS Excel. Accessing this feature could not be easier: select the required format from the dropdown in the toolbar, and click <Export>. You will be prompted to either save the file, or open the file in the relevant application - Voila!

Posted at 00:14 by Scott Bredin | Category: Feature Focus; Operations Suite; FlexiLOG; IntelliPERMIT; Consolidations | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

2009/10/28

Feature Focus : FlexiLOG Extended Validation

Our “Feature Focus” series of blog entries will try and highlight those features that can make a big difference in the way you would interact with Operations Suite on a day to day basis. We will look at all aspects of Operations Suite, the first being the “Extended Validation” feature in FlexiLOG.

This feature provides additional validation functionality when manually entering data. The benefit is that the system knows what range of values to expect. This is normally within a specified range or ranges. In real live production environments however, frequently the data being captured is out of range. To not inhibit productivity the extended validation feature can be configured to either warn you, or to explicitly discard the suspect data.

So that in a nutshell is “Extended Validation”. So the question now is, how and what is the end result. The following images will illustrate the how. To enlarge the image, simply click on it.

The first thing you would have to do when setting up validation checks is to edit an existing template or create a new one. It should also be noted that the extended validation currently only works with “Numeric” values. These are usually captured within a “Question & Answer” section. Once you have identified or created a “Question & Answer” section, we can add a new question. As illustrated below, ensure that the “Answer Type” is “Textbox – Numeric”. The extended validation is set in the “Expected Answer” field.

The options available to you are “>”,”<”,”<=”,”>=” and the actual value. To create a range for instance, you would start with the lowest value in the range and then comma (,) separate the subsequent range highest value in the range. If you want to have a specific value, you should just type in that value. By ticking the “Enforce Validation” checkbox, you are telling the extended validation to NOT save the value if it does not adhere to the validation rules.

Now that we have configure a single question with some extended validation, let’s see what it does. Well, if the values does satisfy the validation rules, the answer will be saved and you would never be any wiser. It is when the answer does not meet the validation, that the user is presented with the following notification.

As you can see the user is notified that validation has not been met, but also tells you what the validation rules are. This makes this feature invaluable when capturing information where tight controls have to be in please to ensure optimum efficiency within the affected areas. Checklists and questionnaires are also greatly enhanced by this feature, ensuring that there are no unexpected variances when providing statistical reports based on data captured.

It should be noted that the “Extended Validation” is part of Operations Suite 5.0, which is currently undergoing final development, and will be available early 2010.

Posted at 22:25 by Henry Fourie | Category: Feature Focus; FlexiLOG | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

2009/06/18

Log Entry Classifications in FlexiLOG

FlexiLOG includes a powerful mechanism to record and classify events as they occur. As well as allowing a user to rapidly record the details of a log entry, they are able to progressively classify what has happened using dropdown lists.

This method has several advantages. Firstly, it provides a means for those of us allergic to keyboards to make an entry without typing! In the process, typos are avoided.

Secondly, the classifications are hierarchical in nature and this allows for progressively narrowing the scope of classification from the general area, down to a specific item of equipment and a list of possible failure modes. Not only does this improve the accuracy with which events are logged, it may also help operators to diagnose problems based on the reported symptoms. So one of the submersible pumps at the reservoir is tripping: electrical fault? water levels low? broken impellers? sheared drive shaft? eels got through the corroded guards? Of course, there is a time overhead in putting together this level of system configuration. However, in a global economy short of skills this tool helps to capture the knowledge of experienced operators and provide continuous training to new recruits.

Thirdly, the standardised event classifications allow for easier searching through the log: just how many ways are there to describe a busted piece of equipment? In the age of Google there is just no excuse for not being able to retrieve the relevant information.

The classification hierarchy has another interesting feature: it can generate its dropdown lists from database queries. There are innumerable exciting uses for this dull-sounding feature. A simple example: Opsuite includes a Standby Roster that records what individuals are on standby duty for listed positions at any point in time. The log entry classifications allow an operator to navigate the hierarchy of departments and positions to identify the person to callout and extract their contact details - all without leaving their log and simultaneously recording the reason and time of the callout.

It doesn't stop there either. Using the "Linked Server" feature of SQL Server with the correct security credentials, the log classifications can generate dropdown lists from 3rd Party databases. The possibilities are virtually endless: raw material usages, stock levels, equipment status…

Posted at 12:12 by Scott Bredin | Category: FlexiLOG | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

2008/09/18

Differentiation through Customisation

These days business processes, and even plant operations have become fairly well automated, and most of the systems that independent software vendors provide do cater for standard processes. Most specialised applications can be automated by finding niche software applications from specialised vendors. But if that is the case, how can you stay ahead of your competitors if they also have access to the same solutions?

Because Manufacturing plant is expensive to change or modify, it in most cases, a significant change in these processes is impractical. One of the remaining areas you can change to achieve that competitive edge is to improve your operations. Custom software solutions to help automate and streamline operations are expensive. And the development time associated with this, can make the solution virtually redundant by the time it is delivered and Quality Assurance is complete.

So where does this leave you.

In most cases, a dynamic and easily configurable platform is needed, where most of the software development has already been done. Enter Operations Suite 4.3. With industry trends and over 10 years of experience in Process Manufacturing, Chemicals and some mining industries, ApplyIT have spent a significant time in trying to deliver just that. A platform that can be easily extended to improve operations efficiency, and yet provide you with the flexibility to easily change and shape both your operational processes and software to give you that competitive advantage.

Operations Suite, and more specifically FlexiLOG has been designed to be more of a platform for delivering workflow and competence based solutions, to meet those demanding business and operational needs, to ensure companies can stay ahead of your competitors. With Templates at the heart of the platform, and leveraging off the Core Operations Suite Server, there is virtually no area in operations that cannot be improved. FlexiLOG takes core Microsoft stack one step closer to the needs of mining and process companies; thereby avoiding the need to reinvent the wheel and develop software from scratch.

You achieve differentiation through the agility and flexibility that is the result of customisation, without the wait for fundamental development.

Have a look at what Safripol has done with FlexiLOG to enhance Operational efficiency. Click HERE. This was achieved in a few short months by leveraging the Operations Suite platform as the starting point!

Posted at 00:58 by Henry Fourie | Category: FlexiLOG | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

2008/07/30

The Power of Embedded Logs...

Since the release of OpSuite 4.3, and the following Service Packs, FlexiLOG was enhanced with so many features, that the real power behind most of them, seems to have fallen by the way side, and the full extent of these features have not been realised. Especially not when each release included a few more.

In this post I will introduce the Power of Embedded logs, which is a feature of the Events section within a FlexiLOG template. The initial idea behind this functionality seems to elude me at the moment, but the end result has created much excitement, especially within the FlexiLOG team.

Firstly, let's briefly touch on the Events section. This section allows you to create an area in the log where a time based event occurred. This event might be associated with some specific equipment, person or unit, and would most probably have classifications associated with it. There is also some space for adding some comments to this event. This functionality in itself is fairly powerfully, and would definitely serve a purpose during daily operations.

But now what, the event occurred, but what has subsequently happened to that event. Was there some sort of investigation? Has a traceable process started to deal with the specific event? Now my best example, and from a person that does not spend much time in a chemicals plant, would be that some sort of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) would need to happen. And this process can take on the form of another FlexiLOG template. That's great, but how do we relate the two. And here in lies the power of embedded logs.

Once you have created you template to deal with the events, create a template that would be considered a good template for a root cause analysis, with all of it's workflows and actions. We can then set the RCA template as an embedded template to the events section.

So now what happens. We log a new event, and instead of click on the "Save and Close" button, we only click on the "Save" button. This would now open up a "Properties" screen for the event that has just been captured. An additional Information link would be visible. Clicking on this will create a new log, based on the RCA template, and display this within the properties screen, hiding the status and workflow information panel. You know have visibility of the corrective actions that is occurring for this event. The RCA log is just another log, which could be listed in it's own list and another team would be assigned to dealing with it. But from the events log, you can open the properties screen for the event, and get a view of the current activities within the RCA.

Embedded Logs

Now this is just a simple, yet very powerful example. The challenge now is, how can you better your FlexiLOG solution, and provide even tighter information consolidation, with this somewhat unknown feature.

Posted at 22:04 by Henry Fourie | Category: FlexiLOG | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)