Maintaining configuration control of plant equipment and systems is often the most difficult aspect of plant operations management. Without a system to assist in placing the plant in a desired configuration, and a system for tracking deviations from that configuration, configuration control of a plant can be lost leading to possible plant shutdowns or delayed restarts.

To ensure that configuration control of a plant is maintained, the eSOMS Configuration Control module automates and tracks configuration activities associated with plant procedures (alignment checklists and normal operating instructions) and equipment deviation records (temporary modifications, equipment out-of-service logs, etc.).

Through its integration with other eSOMS modules, Configuration Control incorporates a "living" model for all phases of the configuration control process. This model presents users with information related to equipment configuration control and status based on actual plant conditions as opposed to static procedures. For example, an equipment lineup procedure is generated with equipment tagged or locked on a clearance indicated as such on the lineup. The system also allows the plant to take credit for equipment configuration activities that have occurred in the past, eliminating repetitive work activities and helping to reduce personnel exposure and wasted man-hours.

Features of the eSOMS Configuration Control Module

The Configuration Control module features two configuration control activity sub-modules:

Procedure Management - Procedures are plant operating instructions, generally associated with a particular plant system or component, which are performed prior to full power operation, or as a part of normal plant operation or shutdown. Procedures are created, maintained, generated, and performed within the Procedure Managers of the Configuration Control module.

Procedures are automatically updated with the current status of plant equipment to alert operators to possible conflicts with other procedures, deviation records, or tagouts already in progress.

Time-saving features such as "take credit" allow procedures to be completed using equipment configuration verifications recently performed on other procedures, deviation records, or tagouts.

Configuration Control procedures also can be used to automatically set the normal configuration of equipment when releasing deviation records or tagouts.

Deviation Record (DR) Management - DRs are electronic forms used to organize and track a range of possible items that affect the configuration status of plant equipment. DR's may be used to track temporary equipment modifications, equipment out-of-service, abnormal equipment configuration, etc. DR's can be used to restrict plant mode changes to prevent entering operating conditions that require deviated equipment to be in service.

Mobile eSOMS for Configuration Control automates the performance and tracking of procedures and deviation records in the field.