Organizational Review Of Plant Automation Group :: essays research papers

Organizational examine of Plant Automation GroupIt is intended that this organisational review, will provide the Districts witha better understanding of the changing process computer hardware and softwaresupport needs. Also to review the department fix for the Plant AutomationGroup (Group), and develop tributes on the proposed reportingrelationships. Review the background information. Identify the primary and secondary functions of the Plant Automation Group Review possible location of the Plant Automation Group. Identify and review reporting relationships optionsDEFINITIONSDefinitions used within this organizational review.SCADA Supervisory and Data Acquisition SystemPLC Programmable logical system ControllerHMI Human Machine InterfaceITD Information Technology DepartmentPAG Plant Automation GroupGM General theatre directorBACKGROUNDWhen the Districts setoff began consideration to form a focal group withresponsibility for Plant Automation, a working class force was formed to makerecommendations. The one recommendation this task was unable to come toagreement on was the location of this new Plant Automation Group (PAG). Anexecutive decision was made by the General Manager to center the PAG in theInformation Technology Department (ITD).In September 1994, the Joint Board contracted with Ernst & Young to produce a" heed Review of the Proposed Plant Automation Group for the SanitationDistricts of Orange County". Their report recommended the location be with ITDbut noted that for the duration of the J-31 project, some engineering-relatedactivities would be refer and require close coordination with the EngineeringDepartment. As late as July 1995 when Ernst & Young performed the FinanceFunction Review (which included the Information Services Division), they echoedtheir previous recommendation but provided a timeline of approximately two yearsto revisit the issue of PAGs location. However, this was not a firmrecommendation.Over the past several mo nths, a number of problems learn made it clear that thetwo year time frame identified in the Ernst & Young report may have beenoptimistic. The problems of budget management, close coordination andcommunication have placed a strain on the existing management of the ITD,creating frustration and numerous problems throughout many part of theorganization.Primary FunctionsThe charter of the Plant Automation focuses on Support of the Operations Division Providing engineering integration assistance through software and hardware summary and the setting of standards Support of the Maintenance Division regarding system and softwaremodifications and changes Assisting in the roll-out of the J-31 contract so that a transfer of knowledgebetween CH2M Hill and the Districts occurs Analyzing and the recommendation of system and network architecture, systemdesign, and integration proposals.The Plant Automation Group is made up of a number of disciplines. Processcontrol programming is very differ ent from the type of programming which