Integrated configuration and runtime tools for distributed control

Deals with the problem in improving the ease of use of control equipment in applications where there is a requirement for continuous evolution of the control strategy. Examples of this need arise in flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), where the deployment of a particular piece of process plant within a larger scheme will change, or where a process is being developed. An architecture which reduces the development cycle, i.e. the time it takes to implement a change to the control strategy, is needed. The procedure described requires input from systems/instrument engineers and product/process engineers