Yokogawa Releases Plant Resource Manager (PRM) R3.12

Tokyo, Japan - May 27, 2014

Yokogawa Electric Corporation announces that it will release Plant Resource Manager (PRM^®) R3.12 on May 28.

PRM is a software package that is capable of centrally managing large amounts of data from plant monitoring and control devices and manufacturing equipment, thereby allowing their status to be monitored and diagnosed online. With PRM R3.12, self-diagnostic information is now displayed in a more intuitive, easy-to-understand format based on the NAMUR NE107^* recommendations, and network functions have been enhanced for upstream oil and gas applications. With this new release of its PRM package, Yokogawa aims to expand its share of the maintenance market.

*A series of device diagnostics recommendations defined by NAMUR, a German-based process automation user group.

PRM window

Development Background

Manufacturers in the process industry are constantly working to improve maintenance efficiency by using device management systems such as PRM that can centrally manage large amounts of data from plant monitoring and control devices and manufacturing equipment in order to monitor their status and identify maintenance needs.

When a device management system detects multiple problems in more than one device, maintenance personnel must quickly assess the severity of each problem and prioritize their actions. Equipment failures in plants must be dealt with quickly, and so appropriate responses are required when it appears likely that a failure will soon occur. To satisfy these needs, this information is now displayed in an easier-to-understand format with PRM R3.12, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly judge which actions will receive top priority.

This new version of PRM also offers enhanced network functionality, including improved support of wireless and satellite communications for upstream oil and gas applications.

Enhancements

1. Intuitive, easy-to-understand display
   This new PRM version uses easy-to-understand NAMUR NE107-compliant symbols for the four primary device diagnostic categories, namely, failure, check function, out of specification, and maintenance required. While previous PRM versions were capable of indicating the severity of a device malfunction based on the self-diagnostic data, R3.12 makes clear at a glance what kind of response is required.
2. Network functionality for upstream oil and gas applications
   The network function has been expanded to incorporate support for narrow-band wireless and satellite communications. Consequently, both PRM and the SCADA software (FAST/TOOLS^®) installed at a central control facility enjoy improved connectivity with the ProSafe^®-RS safety instrumented systems that perform monitoring and control functions at widely distributed remote sites such as wellheads and pipeline pump stations. The centralized monitoring of device status at such remote locations meets our customers' need for improved maintenance efficiency. With this new functionality, Yokogawa anticipates that it will be able to expand its maintenance business in the oil and gas industries.

About Plant Resource Manager (PRM)

A software package that centrally manages field device information. With PRM, users can monitor the status of their devices and perform online diagnosis via a network. In addition, PRM centrally manages database ledgers for individual devices as well as device maintenance information that can be accessed by maintenance staff.

Main Target Markets and Applications

Maintenance of field devices in process industries such as oil and natural gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, power, iron and steel, pulp and paper, water and wastewater treatment

 

About Yokogawa

Yokogawa's global network of 88 companies spans 55 countries. Founded in 1915, the US$4 billion company conducts cutting-edge research and innovation. Yokogawa is engaged in the industrial automation and control (IA), test and measurement, and other businesses segments. The IA segment plays a vital role in a wide range of industries including oil, chemicals, natural gas, power, iron and steel, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, and food. For more information about Yokogawa, please visit the company's website www.yokogawa.com