Yes, absolutely! Achieving consistent results requires full integration of all plant components into a unified control system, along with structured storage and organization of process data. Additionally, proven best practices based on the expertise of experienced operators, must be embedded into the control logic. This foundation enables ongoing optimization of the control system, driven by continuous data collection and operational insights.

IEC 62443 is an international standard for industrial cybersecurity. It provides guidelines and requirements to protect industrial automation and control systems (IACS) from cyber threats. The standard covers everything from system architecture and risk assessment to secure development and operations, making it essential for ensuring safe and resilient Industry 4.0 environments. We collaborate closely with oil operators to ensure the highest level of secure communication, and our solutions are in use at several offshore installations on the Norwegian continental shelf.

Aker BP supports our adoption of the OPC UA standard, recognizing its value in secure, unified industrial data exchange. “We believe Ecco it share Aker BP`s vision and ambitions, for example in the use of open models and the OPC UA communication standard. We are excited to have them join the team as we progress our digitalization agenda” says Richard Emberland, Superintendent at Aker BP.

Maximum uptime is achieved by shifting from planned to condition-based maintenance (CBM) and implementing regular self-tests of the process facility. We’ve developed advanced, reusable CBM solutions for process plants. By integrating self-testing with defined process repetitions, we gain deeper insights into plant health and performance.

Process data provides value not only for production management, planning, and integration with business systems, but also for external stakeholders. These may include regulatory authorities, veterinarians, suppliers, and customers – each of whom can benefit from access to relevant operational insights. Our cloud-based solution empowers data owners to securely share selected data with trusted external parties, enabling transparency, collaboration, and improved decision-making.

We use standardized, open technologies to give customers full freedom in future choices. Based on IEC PAS 63131, our function blocks ensure access to all sensor parameters, supporting condition-based maintenance.
Our library includes ready-made HMI solutions and proven methods for easy reuse across projects. With OPC UA, we enable secure, seamless data exchange between OT and IT systems.
In short, our standardized approach supports full integration, scalability, machine learning applications, and advanced data analysis.

Yes, if sensor readings exceed predefined thresholds, the operation will pause in a controlled manner. These limits are set based on equipment specifications and operator experience. The risk of harmful strain on the processing plant is significantly reduced.

As new experience is continuously gained, the definition of ‘best practice’ evolves. This forms the basis for updating software to further optimize operations. Once updated, the system ensures all processes follow the latest best practices (minimizes reliance on operator training). Deviations may also trigger updates to error-handling routines. All relevant process plants can be easily updated with the latest SW version.

Unexpected equipment failure may result in substantial economic losses and pose significant risks to the surrounding environment. We have developed a comprehensive condition-based maintenance solution that integrates and newly deployed specialized . Data storage, structuring, and filtering are performed locally to ensure that only relevant information including alarms, is transmitted for further analysis and decision-making.

A break in the connection between the operations center and the process plant is undesirable but not critical. This is due to the fact that all control logic resides and operates locally on PLCs or PCs. Once a command is received, the local system will carry out the task even if the connection is lost (within defined restrictions). The main consequence is that the operations center loses visibility into the process during the disruption.

What actually happened? Our control systems store and organize process data over long periods, enabling playback of key events.  This capability supports deeper insight and continuous improvement.