About Us - Automation Systems

ASKOM has completed more than 400 large and medium automation systems and gained extensive experience in the automation of various technological processes in many branches of the industry. ASKOM's know-how, design, software and organizational solutions developed and proven in the field, a large database of hardware and software tools and a team of competent and experienced staff allow us to undertake virtually any industrial automation task. Areas where we have the greatest experience:

• Automation of continuous processes, including those requiring the implementation of complex, multi-level automatic control systems having non-standard structures

• Automation of discrete processes based on complex sequential control

• Recipe control based on the solutions in accordance with the ANSI/ISA-88 (S88) standard

• Automating machines

• The implementation of complex communication tasks - the interfaces between various devices / systems, data acquisition systems, interfaces between automation and MES systems

• Migration of control systems based on phased out solutions to the current hardware and software platforms. ASKOM has extensive experience especially in system migration from SIMATIC S5 to SIMATIC S7

• Centralized process monitoring systems - acquisition, archiving, reporting and presentation on the company network the data sourced from a variety of control systems
   

ASKOM has extensive experience in designing and implementing automation systems based both on DCS and solutions utilising Programmable Logical Controllers ( PLC ) connected to the SCADA software.

Above all, DCS stands out because it features a common database for the entire system, unified design environment for the control stations and the operator layer and the ready-made objects library - blocks of related control station software and the visualization system - performing standard functions (measurement, drives control of various types and automatic regulation systems, etc.). Usually all or the vast majority of the hardware comes from the DCS provider, responsible for the integration and seamless interaction of all system components. This reduces the workload and risks associated with integrating system components from different vendors, but also makes DCS more closed and often hinders integration with other systems (eg, control systems supplied with specialized machines or MES systems).

The control system implemented with the use of the PLC & SCADA technology, i.e. using the industrial programmable logic controllers and process control and visualization software (SCADA) is characterized by a great configuration flexibility, scalability, ability to use a wide range of components from different manufacturers, openness to integration with other systems. With this approach, the responsibility for integrating all system components and their proper operation lies with the designer and system supplier.

In contrast to the DCS system, the drawback of the PLC & SCADA technology is the operation of two independent process databases, separate one for industrial controllers, and separate for the SCADA system. ASKOM solutions are characterized by the operation of a single common database created using an Excel spreadsheet that contains all data related both to the controller and the SCADA layer. A large library of standard controller function blocks and the corresponding object and stacyjek library of SCADA operator stations together form a coherent system with functionality comparable to the DCS.

So, which control system is better? DCS or PLC & SCADA? There is no universal answer to that question. The answer depends on many factors, such as: the size of the system, type of process being controlled, applied electric and measurement devices, the reliability and safety requirements, integration with other systems or specific user requirements. Therefore, ASKOM approaches each system individually, carries out a detailed comparative analysis of different control system solutions and offers the user an option that is both technically and economically optimal.
 

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