Upgrade and Migration for SmartPlant Instrumentation

Systems Implementation and Integration

Summary

This TecSurge service delivers a cost effective, one time solution for upgrading existing SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI) databases to the latest software release, or migrating SPI databases from one database server to another.

If required, these two tasks can be combined within a single service delivery.

Differentiators

• Specialisation in this service and delivery to multiple customers ensures predictable and efficient delivery.
• Excellent working knowledge of SmartPlant Instrumentation and its practical application, as well as experience working with both EPC and owner-operator organisations
• Flexibility and scalability to meet different scenarios, with reliable and cost-effective service delivery

Challenges

Upgrading SmartPlant Instrumentation databases to more recent product versions is a time-consuming and cumbersome activity. Not only is the upgrade itself a multiple step process, but database versions corresponding to older application releases can further complicate the task. In addition post-upgrade verification is necessary in order to ensure the upgraded application functions reliably with the upgraded data.

These difficulties mean that it is common for older versions of SPI databases to remain in production use until pressures from new project demands or software obsolescence necessitate an upgrade.

Because the upgrade process is difficult and infrequent, expertise with the task is uncommon, and companies often struggle to complete the upgrade efficiently.

Deliverables

TecSurge delivers the upgraded database to customers in the SQL Anywhere data interchange format supported natively by SmartPlant Instrumentation, with the following updates:

• Regenerated and tested specification sheets
• Database upgraded to the required version

If server migration is required, the following updates will also be incorporated:

• Restoration of the upgraded SPI archive in the customer environment
• Rebuilding of triggers, views and stored procedures
• Setup of SmartPlant Instrumentation access rights

Work Process

TecSurge’s work process for this service consists of the following general steps:

1. Restoration of original customer database
2. Database error checking and resolution
3. Upgrade to the target version
4. Performance of post-upgrade checks
5. Restoration in customer environment
6. Performance of post-restoration procedure and checks

Quality Assurance

Initial database checking is performed using the built-in SPI database checking utility, and TecSurge will work with the nominated customer focal point to resolve any problems encountered.

After the database upgrade is completed, TecSurge will execute a range of tests across application modules to ensure functionality is restored.

Final verification of the delivery is performed by the customer, and final approval of the work constitutes technical acceptance.

Getting Started

In order to estimate the schedule and cost for this service, we require the following information:

• The current SPI version including service pack and hotfixes applied
  Why: Determines the steps required for conversion; rather than providing a blanket estimate for conversion, we tailor the project duration and cost to match your exact circumstances.
• Database platform in use
  Why: TecSurge will utilise the identical database platform as the end customer, to guarantee a 100% compatible deliverable.
• Target SPI version
  Why: In many cases, upgrades are performed to target versions of SPI which are not the latest available, but in order to match a specific target environment.
• Will the customer restore the upgraded database, or should TecSurge provide assistance for this task?
  Why: In the event that the client does not have personnel experienced with this activity, TecSurge can assume responsibility for the entire handover activity.

If this service describes your situation, and you’re able to provide the engineering inputs and answers to the questions listed here, contact us today for a quotation for Upgrade and Migration for SmartPlant Instrumentation.