A Powerful New Tool for Control Room Operators
Honeywell has officially announced the availability of Experion Operations Assistant, a groundbreaking AI-based technology that leverages the trusted Experion PKS DCS platform. This marks a significant milestone in supporting operators in effectively monitoring process plant operations, making timely and confident decisions, and—most importantly—avoiding alarm-related issues that can potentially lead to major process upsets.
Bridging the Gap Between Data and Action
Experion Operations Assistant uses historical process data combined with real-time data to predict potential critical scenarios that may arise and cause unsafe conditions or production loss. In this case, the operators are given time to take action before the situation becomes worse. In addition, the system is designed to bridge the gap between new autonomous technologies and experienced operators.
Proven Results from Real-World Pilots
The commercial release comes after a successful pilot phase, which included some of the biggest industry players in their business, such as Chevron and TotalEnergies. These trials saw Experion Operations Assistant correctly predicting alarm incidents 5-10 minutes in advance, allowing for prompt action and preventing downtime and unplanned events. So, it is evident that the early results of using this product will show its value in improving operational reliability and minimizing downtime.
Meeting the Pressures of the Industries with Confidence
The broader industry pressures prompting the innovation were described by Jim Masso, President and CEO of Honeywell Process Automation. “Industrials are under pressure to avoid unplanned downtime and maximize the productivity of existing assets, while navigating the massive knowledge transfer of a retiring workforce.” Furthermore, by leveraging the power of over 50 years of process automation know-how combined with site-specific data and the latest technology in AI, Experion Operations Assistant enables the operator to predict, react, and sustain operations with increased confidence.
Seamless Integration and Site-Specific Intelligence
One of the most significant advantages of the solution is its seamless integration into existing Experion PKS infrastructure. The solution is built on legacy infrastructure and is able to leverage site-specific intelligence. Advanced language models analyze site-specific intelligence in real time, enabling proactive and contextually aware advice that feels almost bespoke. This means that end users can benefit from relevant and contextual advice without having to change their existing infrastructure.
Looking Ahead to Widespread Impact
The success of the pilot and the feedback from end users indicate that Experion Operations Assistant is set to have a significant impact as it is rolled out. The focus on integrating automation heritage and AI means that this is a significant step forward for industries that seek to become safer, more efficient, and more resilient in a complex world.