MES applications rely upon accurate process data (temperatures, flows, pressures, etc.) as inputs to KPIs that are used for making business decisions. At most facilities, a data historian is used to collect process data from a combination of DCS, SCADA and PLC platforms, which in turn obtain process data from field instrumentation. Many operating facilities have reported difficulties in ensuring that the data provided to the MES layer is accurate – the problem is that a change at any level of the “data chain” can impact the quality of the data in the MES solutions. As an example, if an engineer were to change the engineering units of a transmitter setting the DCS and not make a similar change to the configuration of the historian, an MES solution would be reporting inaccurate data.

This presentation will discuss strategies and technologies to ensure integrity of the data chain so that MES applications remain accurate. These strategies will include proper change management, monitoring for change, and auto-discovering defects that affect data quality and accuracy.