I architected and implemented Enexor’s Global Operations Center—a large-scale command center integrated with highly customized control software. This center displays real-time operational data from assets across the globe to our headquarters, enabling 24/7 monitoring of mission-critical assets.
- Design and Construct a Video Wall: Identify, plan, and build a video wall utilizing a TCP/IP backbone to effectively display critical operational data.
- Develop Technical Infrastructure: Build the technical backbone required to support monitoring software and meet the demands of the video wall.
- Integrate SCADA Assets: Connect Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) assets to licensed Operations Machine Interface (OMI) software.
- Customize OMI Software: Design and program the OMI software to display mission-critical data from field assets in an intuitive and actionable manner.
- Ensure Security and Reliability: Audit system security and ensure reliability through extensive testing and redundancy measures.
At the start of 2020, I was tasked with this project. I collaborated closely with industry partners Schneider Electric and AVEVA to identify the appropriate software and hardware stack to achieve our objectives. Additionally, I worked with Enexor’s engineering team to establish communication links between the monitored assets and the monitoring system. This involved identifying the critical variables to be monitored and developing formulas to derive business-driven metrics from asset-level data.
Challenges
- Complex System Integration: Integrating various hardware and software components into a cohesive monitoring system.
- Real-Time Data Processing: Ensuring the system could handle real-time data from assets across the globe without latency issues.
- Security and Reliability: Implementing robust security measures to protect sensitive operational data and ensuring system reliability.
Solutions and Achievements
- Video Wall Construction: Successfully designed and built the video wall, providing a centralized display for global asset monitoring.
- Technical Backbone Implementation: Implemented the necessary hardware and software infrastructure to support the monitoring demands.
- Software Customization: Customized the OMI software to display real-time, mission-critical data effectively.
- Asset Integration: Connected test assets successfully, enabling real-time monitoring during the beta phase.
- Under Budget: Managed the project efficiently, keeping it under budget while meeting all technical requirements.
At the time of writing, the project is still in progress. Significant milestones have been achieved, including the completion of the video wall, implementation of the hardware and software stack, successful connection of test assets, and completion of the beta monitoring program. The project remains under budget and is on track to provide Enexor with a state-of-the-art Global Operations Center for 24/7 monitoring of mission-critical assets.
By architecting and implementing a complex, real-time monitoring system, I have contributed significantly to enhancing Enexor’s operational capabilities. The Global Operations Center will enable the company to monitor assets worldwide effectively, leading to improved efficiency, proactive maintenance, and better decision-making.