(44e) Experience in Supporting and Sustaining APC and Optimization Projects in Remote Regions

This paper discusses Honeywell's experience in implementing APC and Optimization projects in remote regions and in particular the challenges faced in supporting them. With the majority of new ethylene capacity being built in the Middle East and China, more and more APC and Optimization projects are being implemented in regions where is it is difficult to find skilled resources to support them. The consequence of this is that some projects will end up not being able to sustain the benefits that were seen when the solution was first commissioned. This leave the customer with a complex application that has been expensive to implement and now is not producing the returns that they were expecting to see.

This paper considers the potential pitfalls of implementing projects in remote regions and examines a variety of possible solutions that help avoid them. Honeywell has found that effective methods for sustaining benefits of these complex applications involve:

? Better use of remote monitoring technology

? Using technology to more clearly identify problems such as poorly performing models

? Leverage and training of local resources

? Layering support services to enable fast response to simpler problems with clear channels for escalation.

? Structuring support contracts to incentivize both vendor and end user to support applications.

Examples of Honeywell's experience in these areas is also included.