Project data management during parallel working

Project data management for the Desigo tools allows several users to work in parallel in different phases of the customer project, e.g.:

  • Several users are engineering and commissioning in the same project
  • Parts of the project are outsourced to subcontractors, e.g., for the point test

To ensure the consistency of the project data, parts of the project data are stored on the Branch Office Server (BOS). This way several engineers cannot modify the same data elements of the data basis at the same time.

Check-in/Check-out mechanism

The check-in/check-out mechanism ensures that when several users are working in parallel during engineering, commissioning or service, they cannot make changes to the same automation station. This way no inconsistent data can be created.

To quickly transfer project data, the data is compressed before it is sent from the computer to the server. The data is managed on the Branch Office Server. The project creator transfers the data from his local hard disk to the server.

In large projects the data can be moved in two steps:

1. Step: Part of the project is transferred from the Branch Office Server to a computer in the plant.

2. Step: Parts of the transferred project can be transferred to local computers. This is called a sequential check-out.

Parts of the project, such as the building or network topology are checked out in read-only mode, so that all users always have the project overview.

Working in parallel during engineering

Several users can work on different automation stations in the same project at the same time. To do this, data is transferred from the central data storage on the Branch Office Server to the local hard disks, e.g., individual automation stations are being commissioned at the customer's site while some automation stations are still being engineered at the office.

Working in parallel during commissioning

Several users can work on different automation stations in the same project at the plant at the same time. To do this, the components to be loaded are transferred (Pack & Go), so that the user, e.g., can load the configuration or program and then perform the point test. The test results are saved in the automation station and can be viewed and transferred back to the engineering database by the commissioning engineer at any time.

Working in parallel during service

A service technician can connect with the plant by remote and make changes. To do this, data is transferred from the Branch Office Server to the local hard disk. After the technician is done, the changes are transferred back to the Branch Office Server, so that the project database is up-to-date again.

Subcontracting

Project-specific solutions can be developed outside the project organisation and specific tasks, such as configuration and point test can be outsourced to subcontractors.

If you outsource specific tasks, make sure that:

  • The work packages for the subcontracting can be easily transferred to the subcontractor
  • The subcontractor's work can be documented
  • The changed data can be transferred back to the engineering database