Hi, I’m Ricky Sun, a PI consultant dedicated to helping organizations leverage their data to improve operational efficiency. In this post, we’ll explore the Asset Framework (AF), its attributes, and how PI points connect within this framework. If you’re an operator with a PI System, this information is crucial for maximizing the tools you already have at your disposal.

What is the Asset Framework?

The Asset Framework is both a concept and a software tool that allows you to structure and manage your data effectively. Think of it as a way to organize all the equipment within your organization so that anyone, even new hires, can easily find the information they need. By establishing a clear hierarchy based on areas or equipment names, you create a navigable structure that enhances information accessibility.

For instance, if your company operates in multiple countries, you might categorize assets by country (e.g., Canada, the USA, Mexico) and further break them down by city (e.g., Calgary). Within these categories, you can specify different areas, such as "Sherwood Downtown." This structured hierarchy is essential for monitoring equipment and streamlining information retrieval.

Building Your Asset Hierarchy

Once you’ve established your hierarchy, it’s time to integrate your major assets, such as tanks or compressors. Each asset can be represented as an "element" within the AF. For example, you could create an element for "Tank 1," which serves as a unique identifier within your organization. Each tank can have various attributes associated with it, including:

Pressure

Temperature

Liquid Type (e.g., oil, water)

Installation Date

These attributes are the language of the Asset Framework. By naming and organizing them clearly, you can easily identify and locate your assets, like "Tank 1 in Calgary."

Linking Attributes to PI Points

To get the most out of your AF, you need to associate these attributes with PI points—unique identifiers in your PI System that collect data from your DCS or SCADA systems. For example, you might have a PI point labeled "Pressure1234.PV" for monitoring tank pressure. By linking your attributes to these PI points, you enable efficient data retrieval and analysis.

Advantages of Using the Asset Framework

Building out your Asset Framework offers numerous advantages:

Easier Data Access: With a well-structured hierarchy, team members can find data without needing specific tag names, saving time and reducing frustration.

Improved Collaboration: Sharing information across your organization becomes seamless, enhancing communication and decision-making.

Advanced Analytics: Instead of relying solely on performance equations based on individual tags, you can utilize high-level analytics within your AF to perform calculations more easily.

Enhanced Reporting: Use tools like PI Vision or Data Link to generate reports based on your asset hierarchy, making it easier to visualize and present data.

Conclusion

If you operate a plant and have access to a PI System, the Asset Framework can significantly benefit your organization. While it may seem complex at first, investing a little time in understanding and implementing it can yield substantial rewards. Remember, every new tool may feel challenging initially, but the benefits of a well-structured data environment will outweigh the initial learning curve.

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