End Users have the challenge of capitalizing on business opportunities and doing it safely, reliably, and ahead of schedule while minimizing cost and risk. There is also the added pressure to take advantage of business opportunities before competitors, by delivering “best-in-class” performance to stay ahead of the competition for the next 20-30 years. The challenge for process manufacturers is to take advantage of today’s latest technologies, methodologies and operating practices to drive and sustain excellence and create a path for the future. (versus begin stuck with technology platform with an uncertain or no future or using old and more costly methodologies and operating practices). Also todays project are getting more and more complex so they have to really "Act Globally Think Locally". The best way to deal with these complexties is to select the MAC vendor at the earliest possible moment in the project.
Conceptually MAC is a contract placed with a single automation specialist company to provide a total automation solution for a project including - Front End Engineering & Design (FEED), Detailed Engineering & Design, Procurement, Commissioning & Startup, Training, Lifecycle Support MAC is a highly qualified, well resourced process control and systems specialist contracted to engineer, supply / procure and manage instrumentation, control systems, safety instrumented systems and associated interfaces for all Project components and facilities. MAC responsibilities shall be limited to those the MAC is best qualified to handle. Some responsibilities are best managed by EPCs. This is consistent with the MAC concept principles.
Emerson's Modern “Smart” MAC Approach is focused on integration of all systems including smart field devices AND coordinating multiple EPCs – “new process, new technology”. Implementing a “Smart” Technology MAC Strategy delivers significant benefits and reduces risk during project execution and plant operations.
During the project: Integration requirements are included for systems and field devices. Early integration engineering standards delivers reduced re-engineering costs and eliminates late schedule change orders due to equipment incompatibilities.
During commissioning: Wiring, systems and field devices are automatically tested based on automated diagnostics for communications and equipment operation. This eliminates automation from becoming schedule critical path.
At start-up: Integrated diagnostics are utilized to eliminate automation problems and to manage installation and process problems.
For Maintenance: Plant turnaround plans became based on asset health for valves and rotating equipment based on “Predictive Diagnostics”.
This requires an expert capability in Automation Technology.
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