Enterprise Wide Optimization built upon a Solid Foundation in Instrumentation and Automation

摘要

As focus shifts toward Enterprise Wide Optimization (EWO), a solid foundation in instrumentation and automation only becomes more crucial and valuable. This is illustrated through examples from the implementation of EWO in the industrial gas business, including Model Predictive Control (MPC) and Real Time Optimization (RTO) along with Inventory Routing Problem (IRP) optimization in a Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) context. In the production (manufacturing) of industrial gases, advanced control and optimization technologies (e.g., MPC, RTO) are built upon the foundation of instruments and regulatory control (e.g., Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controllers). In the distribution of industrial gases to customers via truck deliveries, decision support tools for the optimal scheduling and routing of truck deliveries are similarly dependent upon a strong foundation of instrumentation. In a VMI context, the supplier monitors the customer's inventory and schedules deliveries in order to keep the customer continuously supplied with the product that they need. Beyond simple instrumentation, remote telemetry technology regularly communicates each customer's updated inventory measurements back to the supplier. Based upon these measurements, the supplier forecasts the customer's demand and the resulting decline in the customer's inventory. This paper emphasizes the importance of reliable and efficient connections with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in achieving EWO. Furthermore, it details some strategies to ensure that quality data is provided to the optimizer. Finally, it outlines strategies to manage change as EWO elements are implemented - achieving buy-in from end-users and other stakeholders.