Overview

This chapter addresses the design tasks and group interactions that are key to the development of a computerized process control system. The control system itself is defined and discussed in Part II of this book. A review of that discussion is highly recommended.

In this chapter, we take a specific real-world situation and apply good design techniques to develop an engineered solution. This is done within the context of the overall project as outlined in the engineering package classification flow chart in the Part III Introduction (Figure 1). The systems integration (SI) activity (item 4 on the flow chart) represents a vast category that includes software development, data communications, and operability issues. As shown on the chart, SI is provided by others outside the normal engineering process, as that is the norm in today's environment. Most architectural and engineering (A&E) type firms do not provide this as an organic service, so SI is not typically considered a basic engineering activity. If a customer needs this service to be performed outside its own organization, the A&E firm usually employs a subcontractor or hires a third-party firm that specializes in SI. As with most things, there are exceptions to this rule.

Whether the SI service is provided by the customer's internal systems group or by an external third-party vendor, a new dimension is introduced to the project. This chapter, written from the perspective of the systems integrator, provides insight into this area. Engineering deliverables are discussed and provided, of course. But, a...