The Islands of Automation at the University of Strasbourg

When the folks at the University of Strasbourg decided to implement a facilities management solution, the primary goals were two-fold:

• First goal is to Integrate all facility and equipment processes using one simple, yet scalable, software solution designed specifically for facilities management applications
• The second goal is to create a soluition that would easily access data records of equipment and personnel activities for evaluating best practices

A daunting task because of islands of automation

When the University’s Energy Department was created in 2004, it was faced with a daunting task — effectively organize and manage the various types of systems and equipment used at each of its locations, as well as the multitude of suppliers and subcontractors supporting them.

One big challenge is what we famously call "islands of automation": each of the University’s locations operated independently, using their own equipment processes to manage their facilities. No centralized method existed for monitoring and collecting data on assets, HVAC, electricity and other facility processes that would allow Energy Department staff to review trends and identify better practices for saving time, money and energy.

Centralized Management System

“The idea of implementing a Centralized Management System (CMS) became obvious to us very quickly, but the most urgent requirement was implementing a more effective process to control overall facilities operations.We began by establishing a standard, centralized software program to automate all operations and connect all facility locations. The solution had to provide an ‘open’ architecture which could easily integrate with existing systems, and capture operations data from the various equipment located throughout our campuses.”

Damien Bertrand
Energy Department Manager
University of Strasbourg

This is where Wonderware comes in.

More information

In my next post, I'll tell you how and why Wonderware was used at the University of Strasbourg.  In the meantime, please click on the following for more information:

1. University of Strasbourg Website
2. Wonderware Supervisory Control
3. Wonderware InTouch
4. Wonderware System Platform
5. Wonderware Historian
6. Wonderware Historian Client