Many Ways to Use DBDOC...

Graphics Upgrade

Summary

With DBDOC, you can build your old graphics together with your new graphics. This capability makes checking the new graphics much easier.

Even more, DBDOC identifies many system issues, so you can clean them up and avoid copying them into the new system. Using DBDOC to tidy your system before conversion makes post-conversion clean up much easier.

With DBDOC...

1. Capture a picture of the old system graphics.

  • Use DBDOC to capture a picture of your system before you start your conversion to make the conversion and checking of the new system easier.
  • When you are converting graphics, DBDOC allows you to build all the old graphics along with the new graphics, so you can easily check that the functions of the old graphics are being replicated. You do not need to be on an old console to check many values - the checking can be done at a regular non-console computer.

2. Identify used and unused tags, symbols and graphics in the old system.

  • DBDOC generates lists of tags that are not on graphics, and creates a list of unused symbols.
  • DBDOC's graphics cross-reference shows where symbols and graphics are used.
  • The newest version of DBDOC shows orphaned graphics that cannot be called up. All this information can make conversion to a new graphics package more cost-effective, since it lets you see how tags, symbols and graphics are used. You can even tell if they are not used.
  • DBDOC checks the INFI-90 system and identifies graphics issues that ought to be tidied up before conversion, or directly afterward. For example, graphics using tags that do not exist do not convert nicely. You can also use DBDOC to test whether or not tags have source blocks - saving hours of checking logic that does not work.

3. Reduce the amount of training necessary.

Modern graphics systems are very poweful - but it takes significant training to become a proficient and safe user. For many, the only application of this training is to be able to find problems and fix them. Using the powerful tools opens up the danger of graphics being changed inadvertently. Why send people to costly training that is intended primarily for people who make graphics changes? The cost of installing DBDOC throughout your plant is about the cost of one week of training.

With DBDOC, you can significantly reduce the amount of training needed in order to accomplish faultfinding. Because DBDOC is strictly a read-only system, even inexperienced people can safely use DBDOC for troubleshooting, with no fear of accidentally changing something in the system.

4. Support the system more effectively while training.

The task of getting up to speed with new graphics is a tough one that takes significant time from the DCS specialists and some of the technicians. Using DBDOC for troubleshooting while this extra training is going on means that over-worked people will be able to support the plant while being trained.

If your experts have a copy of DBDOC on a laptop when they are away for training, they can assist people back at the plant much more easily.

5. Have a good picture of the old system while training on new techniques.

When people are trying to understand what they are being taught about the new graphics, it is very useful to be able to relate the new knowledge being presented to what they know from the existing system.

DBDOC allows them to study their new graphics while seeing the familiar ones. This helps make the training more effective, especially when training away from the plant.

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