In the renewable energy sector, biomass facilities face increasingly complex operational challenges that require sophisticated data management solutions. For one facility, growing compliance requirements and the desire for operational improvement led them to seek a more efficient data management approach. Their journey from basic data collection to automated efficiency illustrates how the right technology solution can transform operations.

Business Challenge

The facility operated with a standard SCADA system that automatically overwrote historical data every seven days. While the team diligently managed their data through regular manual exports to preserve crucial operational records, they recognized an opportunity to streamline this process and enhance their data management capabilities.

Maintaining comprehensive historical records was a key priority for the facility. The plant regularly generated performance reports for ownership groups and maintained detailed documentation for regulatory compliance. The team was committed to finding a solution that would build upon their existing processes while providing enhanced operational insights for optimal performance.

The facility’s operational environment presented several distinct considerations:

1. Resources: The dedicated operations team efficiently managed multiple responsibilities, including data management and analysis, as part of their daily workflow
2. Complexity: Biomass power generation requires monitoring numerous operational parameters, from fuel quality metrics to emissions data, with each data point contributing to operational optimization
3. Budget: Investment decisions needed to demonstrate clear value and ROI while providing enterprise-level capabilities

Solution Implementation

After evaluating available options, the facility selected HanPrism for its comprehensive data management capabilities and value-driven deployment model. The implementation process prioritized operational continuity while maximizing functionality.

Key features of the HanPrism solution included:

• Automatic data collection and secure long-term storage, streamlining the data preservation process
• Intuitive user interface requiring minimal training for staff
• Flexible reporting capabilities to meet both regulatory and ownership requirements
• Seamless integration with the existing SCADA system using standard protocols
• Cost-effective deployment model aligned with operational objectives

The implementation team collaborated with plant staff to configure the system for capturing all critical operational parameters while maintaining data integrity. Training was conducted alongside deployment, ensuring staff proficiency with the new system before full implementation.

Results and Business Impact

The implementation of HanPrism enhanced the facility’s operational capabilities in several key areas:

Data Management Efficiency

The transition to automated data exports freed up staff time for higher-value activities. The automated data collection and storage system ensures comprehensive information preservation while providing easy access for analysis and reporting.

Compliance and Reporting

With streamlined access to historical data, the facility generates required compliance reports efficiently and accurately. The system’s robust data storage maintains detailed operational records that meet regulatory requirements.

Operational Visibility

Enhanced access to historical data has improved the facility’s ability to identify trends and optimize operations. Staff can analyze performance patterns and make data-informed decisions to improve efficiency.

Cost-Effective Operation

The solution’s efficient deployment and straightforward training requirements contributed to rapid return on investment. The automated data management enhances both data accuracy and availability.

Staff Empowerment

The intuitive interface and automated features complement the team’s existing workflows, allowing them to manage data requirements effectively as part of their regular responsibilities.

Looking Forward

The successful implementation of HanPrism has positioned the facility for continued excellence in an increasingly data-driven industry. The automated system provides confidence in data management while enabling the team to focus on leveraging insights for operational improvements.

This implementation demonstrates how the right technology solution can address critical operational needs while delivering clear value. The combination of automated data management, user-friendly interface, and efficient deployment makes HanPrism an ideal solution for facilities looking to enhance their operational capabilities.