What is a configuration?

Definition

A configuration is a model or a mirror image of an actual process being monitored and controlled. The process may be anything from a wastewater plant to a luxury liner or a production line.

Typically, a configuration consists of a number of areas each divided into a number of process diagrams with dynamic models of the process components (valves, flow meters, motors, etc.). The operator monitors and controls the process from his screen using the Supervise program.

Use

The use of a configuration depends highly on whether your task is to design the configuration or to monitor and control the process. The table below summarizes the tasks of the system designer and the operator.

If you are …	you use the configuration to …
a system designer	create, refine and maintain a model of the monitored plant to be used by the operator for supervising the plant create areas, diagrams, graphs, templates and IGSS objects link IGSS objects to their unique PLC addresses from which the actual process values or states are read and to which commands are sent create alarm texts for different alarm situations create reports for documentation purposes
an operator	supervise the plant using process diagrams and graphs control process components handle alarms handle maintenance reminders print reports containing documentation of plant operation

Building a configuration

When you build a configuration, it is recommended to follow the steps below as a guideline. The sequence is by no means mandatory, but provides a logical and hierarchical approach to building configurations.

Create and prepare the background drawings for the process diagrams (mimic diagrams).
Define object templates holding properties which will be shared by multiple objects.
Define areas and diagrams representing logical divisions of the monitored process.
Define the process components (IGSS objects), link them to the appropriate PLC addresses and place their symbols on the process diagrams.
Create the predefined graphs that you want the operator to be able to choose in the Supervise program.
Create any reports that you want the operator to to be able to choose in the Supervise program.
Install and test the configuration.
Commission the configuration at the plant.

Installing the configuration

Once a configuration is ready for installation, IGSS automatically helps you locate any installation errors, for example, missing alarm texts. When the configuration is complete and consistent, it is launched from the IGSS Starter program and the operator can now monitor and control the process from the Supervise program.