Technology company Proserv Controls has formed an alliance with software engineering firm Intelligent Plant in an effort to combine their expertise to improve control systems and data analysis.
Proserv says the collaboration will involve a commitment to transparency around data access while maintaining essential security levels.
“Proserv and Intelligent Plant have shared values around innovation and open, accessible solutions, whether that is supplying or upgrading control systems or in data analysis,” said Stuart Harvey, Proserv’s digital innovation manager. “We repeatedly hear how operators would like to do more with their data as they believe it will create new value or reduce costs. Unfortunately, this is not happening today because the focus is on cost reductions through headcount, resulting in subject matter expert (SME) bandwidth deprivation. The only other alternative is to outsource, where those that provide this service create barriers for their clients regarding open access to data, leading to an effective lock-in. This agreement aims to address and resolve both of those frustrations for the greater good of our industry and our energy transition.”
In addition to providing control systems and support for those systems, Proserv and Intelligent Plant say they hope to facilitate and supply that SME bandwidth and expertise.
The two firms say they intend to deliver the model across the sector, initially engaging with independent operators who currently struggle to find the internal resources to maximize gains from their data.
“This agreement isn’t solely focused on future solutions and opportunities. It is very much about today,” said Steve Aitken, Intelligent Plant’s founder. “We can roll out this digital and analytics service for a client right now. We have the relevant expertise around control systems and data analysis; we have the means to supply the vital SME bandwidth; and we want forward-looking clients to connect with us and tell us exactly what they need. We have explored what is presently out there in the market, and frankly we do not understand why such a model isn’t already available.”
This announcement comes 2 months after Proserv revealed a strategic agreement with power system monitoring company Synaptec to develop an integrated cable-monitoring system for the offshore wind renewables.