Automate
The IGSS Automate module introduced in IGSS V18 is a module that makes it possible to create automation logic that would otherwise be difficult to handle in PLCs, or would require extensive coding knowledge to be performed as complex calculations on IGSS Objects or using VBA (Visual Basic for Application) on the IGSS server.
The Automate module makes it possible to define decision-based workflows using a simple visual user interface that does not require coding knowledge.
If this then that...
The Automate module introduce a few terms and concepts used to configure a model to operate under specific prioritized conditions.
Below is a short description of the different concepts used. Each are covered in details in the user manual.
Groups
Groups are used to create a hierarchy for all the models. A group may again contain sub-groups and is similar to folders on a disk drive.
Model
The model is the cornerstone in the Automate module as it contains all the logic for a given piece of equipment or process. A model may again be connected to other models and they can send signals to each other to trigger flows. Normal IGSS objects are used for this model signaling.
Parameters
Parameters are a simple, yet powerful, way to define a value once and use it multiple times throughout the Automate configuration. The advantage is, should a specified value be changed, that this can be done in a single location as opposed to navigating though many groups and models to change the value.
Flows
A Flow defines a condition that should be monitored and a number of actions that should be executed once that condition is met. A model can contain multiple flows.
Execution Plan
The Execution Plan defines where to execute the defined model. A model will typically run on the IGSS server, but for models that retrieve data from the Internet, it may be desirable to run those on stations located in a special DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) for security reasons.
Use cases
The use cases are limitless for this new module. Whether you want to automate some operations to make a plant more “intelligent” and responsive to events or make energy optimization, it is all limited to just your imagination and obviously the type of facility you are working on.
Our V18 Demo contains an example with a pump station setup, where interlock and backstop is being controlled by the Automate module.
