Why your organisation should ditch P&IDs right now — Part 1
We all know what P&IDs are…
Every process industry operator uses detailed Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) for a systems-level overview of how plant components interact — typically identifying process equipment, instrumentation, and control devices.
These P&IDs often reside on siloed information management systems (or even desks) in the form of 2D documents, such as PDFs, DWGs, or paper printouts.
…and I bet you know why they’re doomed.
This siloed, abstract data source that is the P&ID is a crucial tool for managing complex plants, and yet it’s remained unchanged for decades. The information it provides is neither adequate nor accessible when it comes to critical decision-making for engineers and other site personnel.
Disparate Data
It’ll come as no surprise that trying to access a myriad of on-prem data systems (some of which are outdated) then relying on multiple site stakeholders to respond to queries leads to a huge waste of both time and money.
Lack of Context
On top of missing or inaccurate information, engineers must suffer the challenges of converting complex industrial facilities into simplified 2D drawings, only to then re-interpret the drawings so that site works can be planned and executed.
Poor Knowledge Transfer
Without accurate 3D location information, costly errors are easy to make — staff, contractors and other third parties aren’t able to tap into the tacit knowledge held by site specialists.
Unfortunately, however, this is how many industrial facilities still operate today.
So, why do we bother using them?
Well, the main functions of the P&ID are:
- To identify components & instruments
- To show connections between components & instruments
- To visualise locations of components & instrument
- To illustrate the functions of components & instruments within a process
But what will we replace them with?
A system that provides all of the necessary site information needed by engineers and managers, in one single-source-of-truth:
The Smart P&ID (S-P&ID).
Smart P&IDs allow engineers to access all necessary site information from one, always up-to-date, digital hub.
By clicking on any component within an S-P&ID, users can instantly access every bit of information about that particular component. This typically includes:
- Component details
- Real-time gauge readings
- Historical sensor readings
- Predictive analytics insights
- Operations and maintenance manuals
- Inspection and maintenance reports
- Work orders and plans
- 3D component location
- Component CAD model
These S-P&IDs aren’t limited to the above; they can also be customised to integrate any additional data sources — helping engineers make more informed decisions quicker and easier.
At this point, you’re probably wondering how you can make the switch from conventional P&IDs to Smart P&IDs.
Well, look no further, we cover that right here in part 2 of the blog.
