Software Upgrade Helps Reduce Downtime

Maintaining equipment without much downtime is critical for efficient plant operations. The Siemens Industry Automation Division is addressing this requirement by upgrading its Simatic Maintenance Station software, focusing on diagnostic functionality and plant asset management. Version 2009 offers functions for the efficient planning and monitoring of maintenance operations. It also allows devices in the field to access the Simatic Maintenance Station via a web client for remote... Read More

Automation Services Reduce Downtime for Manufacturers

According to figures from ARC Advisory Group plant downtime costs come it at about $12,500 per hour. That’s an average of course, downtime at some plants will be cheaper while others – especially continuous process operations like refineries – are much, much more costly. “Downtime is a big concern because the cost associated with it is so high,” says Larry O’Brien, a research director with ARC who specializes in process automation solutions, adding that a single incident... Read More