DeltaV™ Operate will be phased out as Emerson focuses on future updates and innovations for the DeltaV Live platform. It is expected that Emerson will support DeltaV Operate in versions v14, v15, and V16 included. From DeltaV v17, the only operator interface will be DeltaV Live. This shift makes migrating to DeltaV Live not only a strategic advantage but also a critical necessity to stay ahead in the evolving landscape.
In the life sciences sector, where system upgrades typically follow a five-year cycle, strategic planning for the transition to DeltaV Live is not only beneficial but essential. The ever-evolving nature of regulatory compliance, technological advancements, and operational needs demands that manufacturers stay ahead of the curve. The introduction of DeltaV Live brings advanced capabilities, but to make the transition successful, life sciences manufacturers must carefully assess their systems, plan for upgrades, and set realistic timelines.
DeltaV™ Live is compatible with systems running version 14.LTS or later.
Timeline Considerations
A successful transition to DeltaV Live requires detailed planning and defined timelines. Below are the key phases in preparing for the DeltaV Live upgrade:
Initial Assessment (6-12 Months Before Upgrade)
The first step in the transition is to evaluate the current DeltaV system version. Systems running on versions older than 14.LTS, i need assessment for upgrades, which may include hardware updates, software upgrades, and potential customization. Additionally, it is important to understand existing legacy system and their capabilities to transition to DeltaV Live. Other proprietary interfaces (e.g., OEM and iFix systems) need special attention as they also need modification.
During this phase, perform a gap analysis to determine how your existing system performs and identify the improvements DeltaV Live can bring, such as enhanced HMI functionality, improved alarm management, and system reliability. Establishing the benefits early on will help align internal stakeholders and justify the upgrade investment.
Upgrade Planning and Budgeting (12-18 Months Before Upgrade)
Once the current system was assessed, the next step is to create a comprehensive upgrade plan. This includes budgeting, resource allocation, and estimating potential downtime. Given the strict regulatory environment of the life sciences sector, ensure that your plan addresses the required validation steps, including testing and system verification.
At this stage, it's essential to establish a clear timeline for both the software upgrade and system validation. Plan for testing phases, regulatory documentation, and staff training estimates to minimize disruption and ensure a smooth transition.
If a downtime is not possible, this phase should assess the considerations for maintaining two operate interfaces (DeltaV Operate and DeltaV Live) and the phase out of the DeltaV Operate.
System Upgrade and Validation (6-9 Months Before Transition)
The next phase is upgrading the DeltaV system to version 14.LTS or higher. For life sciences manufacturers, minimizing disruptions is critical, so upgrading during scheduled downtime or between production cycles is usually preferred.
Once the upgrade is complete, thorough validation is necessary to ensure that the system complies with regulatory requirements and meets operational expectations. A successful system upgrade is essential before beginning the integration of DeltaV Live.
It might be considered validation of new graphics and interfaces in an upgraded development system while the main system is under going a version upgrade to expedite project delivery. Validation should include the transition from a development system to a validated system.
DeltaV Live Integration (3-6 Months Before Full Transition)
This phase includes the integration of existing DeltaV Operate displays to DeltaV Live, or the redesign of operator interfaces to take advantage of the enhanced capabilities of DeltaV Live.
Training sessions should also be scheduled to ensure that operators become familiar with the new interfaces and functionalities of DeltaV Live. Since time is of the essence in the life sciences industry, careful planning is required to ensure operators can adapt to the new system without disrupting production.
This stage also includes the integration of advanced features such as HTML5 support, alarm management tools, and customizable display interfaces tailored to operational needs.
Full Adoption and Optimization (1-3 Months After Transition)
This phase includes the integration of existing DeltaV Operate displays to DeltaV Live, or the redesign of operator interfaces to take advantage of the enhanced capabilities of DeltaV Live.
Training sessions should also be scheduled to ensure that operators become familiar with the new interfaces and functionalities of DeltaV Live. Since time is of the essence in the life sciences industry, careful planning is required to ensure operators can adapt to the new system without disrupting production.
This stage also includes the integration of advanced features such as HTML5 support, alarm management tools, and customizable display interfaces tailored to operational needs.
Key Takeaways for Life Sciences Manufacturers
The typical five-year upgrade cycle in the life sciences industry means that early planning for the DeltaV Live transition is crucial for a smooth and successful upgrade. Transitioning from older DeltaV systems to version 14.LTS or later requires careful coordination and ample lead time to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, avoid production disruptions, and train staff effectively.