Operations must adopt and accurately implement validation procedures for their digital control systems to maximise the benefit of advanced computerised automation. As such, a fundamental understanding of control system validation is the first step.
The objective of control system validation is to make sure the equipment is operating correctly under both typical and irregular conditions. Validating processes helps to assure product safety, process reliability, and compliance requirements.
By using strict validation rules and procedures, operations can benefit economically by reducing the number of processing failures and malfunctions. In doing so, an effective validating process lowers the possibility of defects that lead to extra expenses, including repairs and product recalls, therefore, proving beneficial to the bottom line.
Validating anticipates safety hazards and reduces the risks. Conversely, ineffective, or lacking validation can lead to substantial economic losses, safety hazards, or physical harm to personnel. In addition, control system failures can cause events that create dangers for operators and end-users of a product produced in a faulty system.
There are four fundamental areas to Control Systems Validation, including:
Hardware Validation
Hardware validation concerns the functioning and delivery of accurate data by physical equipment. For example, issues of concern include sensor selection, signal conditioning, and I/O device interfacing.
Software Validation
Software validation is a complex process of designing, implementing, and testing control system software products, operating systems, and communication protocols, along with any specific integration software. As such, it includes monitoring during operation and maintenance phases and documentation to ensure operations are meeting standards.
System Validation
In short, the entire system is an integrated and complete unit combining hardware and software needs for validating. System validation includes environmental analysis to consider temperatures, humidity, static and electromagnetic interference, Signal corruption issues, communication transmitting, power supply, backup systems, and record-keeping procedures.
Validation Management
Managing the control system validation can be categorised as prospective, retrospective, real-time, and lifecycle. Most importantly, understanding each approach provides insight into how to undertake validation.
For more information on Control System Validation and our services at Triple i, contact us today! www.triplei.com.au/engineering/
About Triple i
Triple i delivers outcomes for all your control, data, electrical, instrument, and mechanical needs with over thirty-five years of experience. We supply a range of technology-based projects, consultancy, maintenance, and support services in the industrial sector. With over eighty skilled employees, Triple i provides the best product and services, with integrated solutions designed for clients’ needs.