A critical aspect of the eSOMS operations management model is the consistent identification of plant equipment within the database. With a consistent equipment identification system both internal (within eSOMS) and external (eSOMS with third-party applications and databases) interfaces are enabled to provide an enhanced level of information to the eSOMS user. Without it, many of the benefits of data sharing are lost.

The eSOMS Equipment module is used to assist in the definition and implementation of a consistent, organized equipment identification system. The software has the capability to employ multiple types of equipment identification schemes, from rigorously coded IDs to noun descriptions. This affords front-line users of the software the freedom to use the identification system that they are most familiar with, while maintaining back-end compatibility with other systems and databases.

Functions of the eSOMS Equipment Module

From within any eSOMS module, the Equipment module provides both validation of and quick access to equipment data of critical importance to plant operators such as:

In addition to typical nameplate data and related documents (drawings, procedures, regulatory limits, etc.), current as well as historical equipment operating status and configuration data are provided. Users see not only the current configuration of equipment, but are able to trace its path through the many operational activities (tagouts, operating procedures, rounds, etc.) which lead to its current status.

In support of equipment identification, the eSOMS Equipment module provides users with a flexible system of both fixed and user-definable equipment related attributes, which are also important in the performance and tracking of operations tasks. These include:

Integration and synchronization of the eSOMS equipment database with a plant's master equipment list (MEL) as maintained by third-party asset tracking and maintenance management databases has also been shown to be highly beneficial. Such integration can eliminate data inconsistencies and reduce data maintenance, while providing an enhanced level of interoperability between systems.

Mobile eSOMS for Equipment provides operators in the plant the capability to both access data normally available only at the desktop or collect data and update the enterprise database as part of a plant walk-down.