By
Ron Helson, President, HART Communication FoundationSOME TOOLS sit in your toolbox and are rarely used. Other tools are attached to your tool belt and used daily. In some cases we overlook the added benefits and capabilities that a tool can provide because, well, we just dont think of it that way. Do you think of HART as a tool in your toolbox or one that is on your tool belt and used daily? Remaining competitive in todays global economy is no small task. We need every possible resource and asset maximized to provide that competitive edge needed to survive. We spend time wishing for things we might like to have and in reality the wish might be sitting right in our toolbox.HART Communication is one of those tools that might be in your toolbox but needs to be moved to your belt! When you open it up, you will find a powerful, easy to use and cost-effective field communication protocol solution that lowers operating cost, increases plant availability and helps with regulatory compliance. Based on the industry standard 4-20mA, this robust, low-risk protocol is the right tool for the job. In this 5th annual HART supplement, we present ideas, information and testimonials on using the POWER of HART and getting more from what youve got installed. HART is the tool you can use to make your plant run more efficiently by putting it to work with your plant automation, safety and asset management systems maximizing your assets. As pointed out in this document, HART-enabled projects are easy to find, install, use, and to justify. In most cases, the pay back is quick and benefits significant. Field instruments are becoming more intelligent and more open with advanced functions and diagnostic features that are powerful tools to achieve corporate objectives. Enabled by HART Communication, todays control systems and I/O interfaces can painlessly integrate the intelligent information from these devices and put it in the hands of plant personal to maximize and optimize the operation. New tools & technology enhancements like the DD-IDE development environment, HART 6 and the enhanced Device Description Language contribute to HARTs ability to be one of the most useful tools on your belt.We will help you identify big opportunities when you move from part-time to full-time communications with HART-smart field devices and the integration of diagnostics and other intelligent device information into the control, asset management or safety system. This supplement is loaded with useful tips on how to identify projects that provide a high ROI and significant value to your operation.In this supplement, we review how small and gradual investments will enable plants to avoid unplanned shutdowns and unnecessary maintenance costs. Optimizing your assets and increasing the efficiency of your staff contribute to making HART a low-risk and cost-effective decision one that is easy to deploy and to justify. Finally, we identify the benefits of the enhanced Device Description Language and wireless HART. We continue to invest in HART technology to make sure it addresses your need to remain competitive. Regardless of the make and vintage of your control system or the type of HART-enabled field devices you may already have installed, there are many solutions available from the 160+ HART Communication Foundation member companies that can help you put the POWER of HART to work in your plant. Get more from the HART devices youve got working in you plant. Why? Simple - in order to become or remain competitive. You need to think of HART as the tool you use daily to solve critical problems or better yet, identify and avoid them before they become problems.Getting more information is as easy as contacting your device or system suppliers or by visiting
http://www.hartcomm.org/. The HART Communication Foundation is here to educate, train and assist you to get more from what youve got and to UNLEASH the POWER of HART. Is HART on your tool belt?
Ron Helson, Executive Director, HART Communication Foundation, can be reached at [email protected]or 512/794-0369.