Our ECS/ControlCenter (ECS) process control systems has been a stalwart at cement plants for decades. But that doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past. Quite the opposite. With the launch of the ECS 9.1, we incorporate several new features and technologies that firmly maintain our place at the cutting-edge of industrial process control and provide the foundation for further digital innovation.
ECS web app
The new ECS web app is an extension to the ECS system supporting workforce mobility and flexibility. Providing easy on-the-go access to critical plant data, the app allows plant managers and supervisors to monitor plant performance, supporting better, more informed decision-making. Users can favourite, trend, and organise multiple tags into collections for efficient viewing of the most meaningful data, while receiving notifications on any alarms. Developed using Microsoft.NET and Blazor web framework, the ECS web app can be accessed via web browser on PC or installed as an app on any mobile device.
MQTT client publisher
ECS tag data is information rich, well-structured, and pre-compressed, providing in-depth information on machine status. We can now export this data via MQTT client publisher functionality for improved plant- and enterprise level data integration in compliance with Sparkplug standards.
ECS DataBooks
ECS DataBooks allows reliable integration of Jupyter Notebook and Python open-source AI and data science tools into process control systems. It thus allows developers to work with systems they know to leverage the proven power of the ECS platform and solve the unique challenge faced by cement plant operators. Already part of our latest ECS/ProcessExpert™ advanced process control software, DataBooks is now available as part of the ECS 9.1 update.
Creating future-ready plant control
“The latest ECS update reflects the changing demands of cement plants within the new digital world,” said David Campain, global product manager for process control systems at FLSmidth Cement. “The enhanced functionality of ECS 9.1 offers essential support for cement plants on their digital journeys and provides a platform for continuous digital improvement.”
Based on a history of control system innovation going back to the 1970s, there are currently more than 2000 ECS systems installed globally, about a quarter of which control complete production lines. Packed with features that enable operators to effectively and efficiently manage and troubleshoot plant and equipment, the system is hardware agnostic and easy to engineer and scale as requirements change. We also offer complete lifecycle and cybersecurity support via our PlantLine service agreements. Discover more about our industry-leading process control software here.
The 9.1 update is available now as an upgrade to existing ECS software and to replace third-party control systems.