ABB PP866AK02 processor module kit
As stated earlier, ABB has a long-standing commitment to its system owners that
ensures future advances in system technologies will enhance rather than compromise
their current system investments. For over 25 years, ABB's evolution policies have
allowed system owners to maximize the useful life of both their control systems and
the intellectual assets built upon them. Through stepwise their system evolution
solutions, the risk associated with system change is mitigated; minimizing process/
system down-time and protecting the owner's long-term investments in control
applications, process graphics, and historical data.
Working side-by-side with Harmony system owners and guided by the owner's
business goals, ABB assists in the development of the evolution path and its pace.
Regardless of whether the initial investment was made 1, 5, 10, or 15 years ago, the
installed automation system is still a vital and sustainable part of the business and
manufacturing strategy that can be enhanced and extended for years to come in a way
that presents the lowest lifecycle costs and lowest risk.
Superior products are the cornerstone of ABB's evolution strategy; however, simply
incorporating new products into an existing system will not ensure success or provide
the desired results. ABB's evolution commitment consists of a four-point strategy that
represents a comprehensive solution and provides a roadmap to successful system
evolution. This four-point strategy includes:
1. Product Planning Process
ABB's system planning and development strategy is fundamental - new features and
capabilities must be adapted seamlessly with minimum impact to existing applications.
The development process involves rigid guidelines to ensure the compatibility of
differing versions and models of system components. Each new step is a natural
progression of the current system offering and never behaves like a plug-in or raw
adaptation of someone else's product. For example, the application code runs as it
did when first developed and new controllers seamlessly coexist on the same control
network as previous generation controllers.
In order to fulfill an individually tailored upgrade path, ABB system enhancements
provide a unique blend of flexibility and scalability. The ability to mix and match
hardware and software of different generations is a major strength.ABB has services
and solutions that preserve the system owner's investments. This ensures the
continued use of base control hardware infrastructure and protects the intellectual
asset investment made in software applications. For example:
■ Process Graphics: Save time and expense of re-engineering and intensive
user/operator retraining
■Database: History data preservation restores existing historical data and can be
transferred directly to the new history platform
Field Wiring: Eliminates the need for field re-wiring and reduces the time and costs
of re-testing when existing I/O is replaced with a new I/Oproduct
Control applications: Preservation of field proven control configurations and
documentation minimizes production risk and project /engineering costs

A successful evolution program begins with a solid plan driven by the owner's business
goals. Good planning is critical for any incremental, stepwise evolution and can
minimize the negative production impact of the actual upgrade process. It can simplify
and improve the yearly budgeting process and facilitate better system upgrades and
planned plant shutdowns.
Individualized planning is essential. Different industries invariably have different
strategies and business issues going forward. At ABB, account managers and technical
experts work with system owners individually to address their unique needs. The
collaborative relationship results in the best strategies for each individual site.
After a comprehensive audit of the existing system, and with an understanding of the
business drivers,ABBwill:
Submit a 3-5 year plan to be reviewed and revised as necessary. ABB's incremental
approach supports flexibility; allowing for changes to the plan as required over time.
■ Identify and target which facilities are at the greatest risk for production loss and
those that have the greatest potential for increased production. As each phase is
identified, ABB will provide value assessments and Return-on-Investment support
for consideration in order to facilitate successful project appropriation requests.
Review the long-term plan periodically; update as required to reflect changing
business needs and new ABB solutions. This approach takes the guessing out of the
budgeting process. As part of this planning process, specific projects are identified
and implemented.
3. Customer Evolution Programs
ABB promotes a proactive approach to hardware and software upgrades;working
with system owners to stay current and avoid hitting the brick wall of obsolescence
through stepwise, incremental upgrades. This philosophy allows system owners to
continuously improve productivity as new technologies and automation product
offerings become available.
ABB evolution programs provide the financial flexibility to move from existing
automation system products to new, higher performance human system interfaces,
system engineering tools, controllers, control networks, and information management -
one functional area at a time.
ABB's Automation Sentinel software management program assists system owners
in actively managing their lifecycle costs in ABB control system software. With this
program, they can keep control software up-to-date and maintain a flexible path
forward to new system software technology: Automation Sentinel helps manage
software assets with timely delivery of the latest software releases, thus providing
subscribers:
■Better productivity through enhanced software functionality
Lower support cost and simpler software management through known annual
subscription fees
A way to stay current with the latest industry /IT standards
Access to the most current system documentation
Evolution to higher levels of human system interface, control, information