A major petrochemical producer had an aging Distributed Control System (DCS). ARC provided a seminar on the DCS marketplace, technology assessment, and supplier profiles.
Client Challenges
A major petrochemical producer had an aging Distributed Control System (DCS). The Chief Executive stated - Our watchword is performance and shareholder value. Technology is at the heart of our activities. Our refineries and chemicals plants use sophisticated and advanced equipment and techniques. The application of technology is a key competitive advantage. The management and engineering teams needed current knowledge on the DCS market and technologies to establish a strong foundation for their purchasing decision. They tried having engineering staff members investigate on a part-time basis while performing their assigned duties. This approach failed, the critical project delay was extensive and, as irrational problems continued, painful. Team members acquired superficial information with a diversity of opinions that blocked consensus.
ARC Solution
ARC provided a seminar on the DCS marketplace, technology assessment, and supplier profiles. Of particular interest was the implications of Foundation Fieldbus and industrial networking was included. ARC has analysts with decades of industrial experience with DCS systems. They have an in-depth understanding of the supplier's capabilities, and the appropriate application of technologies. All of the company's project team members quickly obtained the knowledge they needed for competent decision making. The team created the specifications for supplier's quotations quickly using ARC's RFQ preparation service.
Results
The chemical plant's DCS replacement project accelerated with the team members working together effectively. The choice improves plant operational performance. The project progressed smoothly with faster total project lifecycle with shorter time to benefit.