End user forum presenters included: John Rezabek, Ashland Chemical ("Internet of Things for Process Control"), Satoru Nunokawa, Mitsubishi Chemical Holding Group ("Field Intelligence in the Chemical Industry"), and Rong Gul, Shell Global Solutions ("Improved Commissioning Procedures at Shell Support On-going Proactive Maintenance").
According to Rezabek, the process industries have had "intelligent" devices and methods to monitor them for near 20 years, and yet, users are challenged to discern useful information. "'Big Data' can lend some valuable insights, but human know-how, thoughts and experience are still essential," he said. "Increasingly capable networks and services are critical, but standards to channel their application for process control are also a must."
Rezabek noted that companies involved with FieldComm Group technologies are supporters of open standards that serve the priorities of "real" end users, including plant operators, process specialists, company management and the enterprise.
Nunokawa examined the challenges faced by hydrocarbon processing firms to become more agile and implement "made-to-order" manufacturing business models in a competitive business environment. In his view, petroleum producers are dealing with increasing complexity in production and enterprise management, rising safety and security concerns, human resource issues, diversified asset portfolios, and growing data overflow.