Yokogawa Electric Corporation Launches CENTUM VP Release 7.01: A Milestone in Integrated Production Control
Yokogawa Electric Corporation has proudly introduced its advanced CENTUM VP integrated production control system with the launch of Release 7.01. This cutting-edge system marks the 10th iteration in the CENTUM series and celebrates the 50-year anniversary of CENTUM, which was one of the first distributed control systems (DCS) released on June 19, 1975.
Why Development Was Needed
In recent years, supply chains have undergone significant changes, with more countries tightening regulations to protect the environment. The rise of digital technologies has led to new complexities, such as managing renewable energy and analyzing data in cloud settings, increasing concerns over security. Moreover, there is a pressing need to transmit the knowledge of experienced operators to newer team members while reducing the workload for those maintaining 24/7 systems. Amid these challenges, it has become crucial for both management and on-the-ground teams to improve efficiency while ensuring the stable production of high-quality products.
CENTUM VP Release 7: The Concept
To tackle these challenges, Yokogawa developed CENTUM VP Release 7 with the aim of facilitating autonomous operations. This system helps customers drive sustainability by enhancing energy efficiency, advancing decarbonization efforts, and ensuring a safe work environment. Retaining the reliability and comprehensive support that CENTUM is known for, Yokogawa is focused on innovation in three key areas:
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Wider Control and Monitoring
By securely collecting data from various sources within a plant, operators can monitor overall status and expand automation, leading to safer operations. -
Predictive Monitoring
By identifying specific issues related to operations and predicting deviations, operators can take proactive measures, contributing to more stable operations and improved energy use. - Easing Operator Workload
By providing insights based on operator expertise, the system helps in decision-making. Furthermore, AI will manage certain tasks, allowing operators to focus on critical issues, reducing stress.
Key Features of Release 7.01
To enable autonomous operations while ensuring safety, Release 7.01 introduces several essential features:
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Stronger Security Measures
This release prioritizes the protection of critical data, enhancing cybersecurity across control system components. -
Expanded Control and Monitoring with OPC UA
By incorporating OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA), CENTUM can now connect with various devices across different manufacturers, broadening its control capabilities. - Improved Engineering for Large Projects
A new feature allows the combination and testing of numerous engineering databases, facilitating efficient setups and renovations of plants.
Mitsuhiro Yamamoto, a leader at Yokogawa, commented, “In our rapidly changing environment, manufacturing and management challenges are becoming more complex. With CENTUM VP Release 7, we aim to help our customers not only enhance operational stability but also promote sustainable business practices.”
Target Markets
The CENTUM VP Release 7.01 system is suitable for a variety of industries, including oil and gas, chemicals, steel, electric power, and water treatment.
Applications
This system is designed for monitoring operations and automating control in manufacturing settings.
For more detailed information, visit Yokogawa’s official website.
