Operational functions configuration management

It was found that neither a PLM, nor an ERP-oriented standard application is able to supply the needed functionality for a lifecycle approach to product configuration. PLM systems are product-centered tools, whereas ERP systems consists of operational business tools. A JLR s specific configuration lifecycle management (CLM) system was proposed to support the complete product lifecycle for a JLR configuration [47]. Table 14.3 shows some aspects of PLM, CLM and ERP and their differences from a product configuration management perspective. 

Various types of information are needed to perform FMECA effechvely. In particular, the design-related information needed for the FMECA includes system schematics, design descriptions, operating specifications and limitations, equipment/part drawings, interface specifications, functional block diagrams, field service data, reliability data, configuration management-related data, effects of environment on item under consideration, and relevant specifications (i.e., company, customer, etc.) [3]. 

The real-time operation of these functions is very simple. The sequencing of operations is fixed and takes place continuously over a fixed period. One advantage of this method is that each symbol has a formal definition with strict rules governing its interconnections. The specification is under the control of a configuration management tool and its syntax is partially checked automatically. 

In both cases, part of the functions will be executed in a more predictable way (under a stronger failure or timeliness model), while other functions, the complex ones, will execute in a less predictable part of the system. The system separation in two parts makes it easier to enforce the properties assumed for the better part, while safety is ensured by making the system adjustable at run-time the complex functions will only be used for control when a certain set of assumptions is satisfied. For that, the system must encompass a safety manager that observes relevant variables, verifies if predefined safety rules (assumptions) are met, and adjusts the system configuration and operation whenever necessary. 

The colour determines the level of Defense-in-depth for every Safety Function (which in reality shows how many trains are available etc.). This, in fact provides an insight on how well the overall outage is managed. The software allows different queries and snapshots to enable the operator to investigate different proposed configurations. 

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