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Honeywell Process Solutions Embraces System Integrators
Honeywell Process Solutions Embraces System Integrators
By Bill Lydon - Contributing Editor
Honeywell Process Solutions is pursuing relationships with independent system integrators (SI) for the “Honeywell Experion Implementers” program. I recently spoke with Bill Stevens, Honeywell Channel Manager, to learn more about this program. Stevens explained that the goal of the program is to “capture incremental business” for smaller systems in applications including specialty chemicals, food & beverage, and pharmaceutical. “We want to partner with system integrators that have application expertise, are local to customers, and are cost effective in servicing those industries,” says Stevens.
This strategy ties in with an interview I did last year with Jamie Bohan, Senior Segment Marketing Manager at Honeywell Process Solutions, titled, “Do PLCs Eliminate Need for a DCS?" In the interview, I asked Bohan about the role that systems integrators play in deploying process control systems implemented with PLC and PAC controls. One of the questions I asked Bohan was:
The general consensus is there are many systems integrators proficient at programming PLCs that customers can use for programming and maintenance of systems. Is this a serious consideration?
Bohan's answer: “Our experience is that System Integrators are able to pick up the differences between PLC and DCS systems rather quickly and gain proficiency configuring and supporting DCS systems. They typically comment on the many built-in features of the DCS and are thrilled by the additional functionality in the controller and HMI.”
Honeywell PLC
Honeywell’s recent expansion of the distribution of its MasterLogic line of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) would seem to give system integrators an interesting PLC alternative for projects delivered by a supplier. (Automation.com, Honeywell to sell MasterLogic PLC worldwide) Tim Sweet, Product Manager for Honeywell Process Solutions, noted, “Many of our customers see PLCs as cost-effective solutions for very high-speed logic processes, and making those processes are part of the bigger control system allows plants to achieve greater efficiency and greater throughput. The MasterLogic PLC provides the flexibility commonly associated with PLCs and augments it with a global support network and the ability to integrate with the industry’s newest control systems.”
The MasterLogic supports the IEC-61131-3 programming languages and a number of important features for PLC applications:
- Processor: 42 nanosec/step
- Memory: 10mb Program, 2mb System, 2mb Data, 16mb Flash Memory
- Redundancy: CPU, Power & Network
- Supports Profibus DP, DeviceNet, MODBUS (Ethernet & Serial)
- Open communication with external systems – Ethernet, Fiber-optic (100MBPS), Serial RS232/RS422
- Special integration with Experion PKS architecture
- Integration with PlantScape Vista, Experion Vista and other SCADA systems
Experion HS and Experion LS
Stevens noted that the new Experion HS and Experion LS products are designed for systems integrators since they are easier to use and “they are priced for these additional markets.” Stevens says, “We have tailored these systems for smaller projects.” Stevens emphasized that these systems still leverage the power of Experion. Features include the control execution environment, development tools, algorithms, alarming, trending, and batch features. The Experion HS is a software product for HMI and SCADA applications. The Experion LS control system is a small distributed control system (DCS) based on Honeywell’s flagship DCS.
Limitation
Both system integrator products are limited to 2,050 points. The point limit is not as severe since an "Experion point" can be many field and software points. Stevens explains, “A point in our world is a composite point, for example a PID loop control point consists of an input, setpoint, output , alarms, tuning constants, and associated parameters." System integrators will only have access to the CS200 controllers with the Experion LS.
Other Products
I asked Stevens what other products authorized system integrators would have access to including OneWireless, field instruments, controllers, and other devices. He indicated that system integrators will have access to any Honeywell products needed for the project, either direct or through Honeywell distribution.
How do system integrators qualify?
Stevens and I discussed how system integrators become an Experion Implementer. The qualification process starts with a face to face business meeting with a Honeywell person. The system integrator should be prepared to describe their organization, markets served, reputation, value added expertise, what makes them unique, and their ability to win new business. Key markets of interest to Honeywell are specialty chemical, consumer goods, food & beverage, and pharmaceutical. The system integrator should have some process background. Being a CSIA (Control System Integrators Association) member is a plus since Honeywell is a member and understands the value of CSIA processes.
The system integrator should be prepared to invest around $10,000 in Honeywell training, demonstration and development systems. Honeywell has developed a two week Experion training program for system integrators. Ideally to start, the SI will send two applications people to training. Honeywell provides various support to the SI including training, offsite support, and quoting tools.
System integrators in the program today are I2R Dallas, Cimation, Wilson Moore, and Mustang. Honeywell plans to find a reasonable number of quality system integrators.