Open Process Automation - Unlocking Value Capture by Leveraging Advances in Digital Technology
Channel: The Open Group
Date: 01/02/2019

The state of ExxonMobil distributed control systems (DCS)

Business Problem: Must replace obsolete Refining/Chemical DCS fleet

Desired changes include:
 - More marketplace 
 - Lower barriers to innovation
 - Lower life cycle costs 
 - Greater value generation

Motivation
- Replacement with a state-of-the- art DCS includes:
 - High cost of technology
 - Expensive to integrate third-party components
 - system components are bundled versus best-in-class
 - does not scale economically

Vision
- Commercially available
- Best in class component
- Designed-in and adaptable security
- conformant components integrate to create open system
- Fit f0r purpose for end user's need
- Protect supplier's intellectual properties
-Simplify replacements
- Innovation and value creation
 
Open Process Automation™Forum
 - Industry organization to support the development and use of industry standards to create a next generation distribution control system (DSC)
- Broad industry representation to transform DSC landscape

- Issued "Business Guide" to define desired future eco-system for control systems
- Developing industry standards for Open Process Automation components
- Initial focus on interoperability
- Future releases will include portability

 Application Portability
 Definition and Benefits:
  - Decouples application platform lifecycle
  - Retains user programs and configuration
  - Can upgrade/replace platforms without replacing applications
  - Suppliers maintain one software version

Benefits of Open Process Automation
End-User: 
     - Support application reuse
     - Increases value creation
     - Enables continuous innovation
     - Solves system Integration issues
     - Is Safe and intrinsically secure
     - Empowers workforce
     - Reduces total cost of ownership

 Suppliers:
  Grow the top line by:
    - Reaching new markets and customers
    - Remaining relevant to existing customer
    - Creating new good and service for extended markets
 Grow the bottom line by:
    - Increasing margins
    - Reducing cost
    - Elimination non-differentiated products

Speaker: Bradley G. Houk is a Senior Engineering Advisor with ExxonMobil. Brad has more than 30 years’ experience in the refining and chemicals industry. Most of his career has been focused in the control and optimization areas having been involved in the full range of activities from regulatory controls through raw materials valuation.