Project Management

Successful and professional project management is an essential ingredient in maintaining the valued relationship between Merlin Systems and our clients. In order to ensure that we are able to provide a continued level of quality and success, our approach to the life cycle of all projects follows a definitive path.

Design Documentation

Prior to the development of hardware and software design, it is essential that a clear understanding of the process under control, and the requirements of the system are met, and communicated to all parties. With this in mind, it is essential that a concise Functional Design Specification, is developed and approved at the onset of any major scheme. The engineer responsible for the project would work closely with the client's project representatives at a very early stage in the contract, in order to source and agree the Control Philosophy, with this aspect forming an essential part of the document.

Hardware Design

Using a combination of experience within process industry, knowledge of the proposed systems capabilities, and close liaison with both the clients electrical and mechanical project engineers, hardware most suitable for the application will be defined and proposed at this stage. Documentation will include network diagrams with address allocation, input/output schedules, communication media requirements and hardware specification. All of the above will consider essential parameters such as, the environment under which the equipment is required to operate, the ability to support the proposed system, availability of spares etc. This information may form part of the Functional Design Specification or, in the interest of progressing the project may be submitted separately, as part of a Hardware Specification, in advance of procurement.

Software Development

Once both hardware and software designs have been submitted and approved, software development will proceed. An essential consideration in writing all software is the ability of engineers other than the author, to support and maintain it. For this reason, we ensure that not only is code well documented, but it follows a logical, defined structure which combines efficient operation with an easily understood format.

Software development may encompass may differing types and formats eg. PLC ladder, HMI, SCADA, bespoke high level code etc. Where ever possible, we utilise standard library’s which include routines repeated for similar processes or devices. These libraries of symbols and routines have been developed for numerous processes and ensure that, by repeatable use, the most efficient and reliable methods of control are used whilst minimising the time necessary to test operation.

Acceptance Testing

By combining the facility to test developed software by simulation, with the ability to combine hardware and software tests, either in conjunction with Lloyd Morris Electrical or any other electrical equipment manufacturer, we can always ensure that systems are rigorously tested prior to shipment.

Throughout testing, documentation is completed, ensuring that standards are maintained without overlooking any aspect of operation.

By undertaking such in depth testing prior to final commissioning, many problems can be addressed before to critical changeover periods, thereby reducing the time necessary for completion.

Commissioning

When installation has been completed, our software/commissioning personnel carry out testing of the process to meet the requirements of the original Functional Design Document. The method of testing will follow a pre-defined procedure, starting with basic I/O tests, through to completion of detailed software checks, incorporating many varied fault scenario. Throughout the process, standard acceptance documents will be completed by the commissioning engineer, and approved by the clients site representative.

Training

Merlin Systems do not under estimate the value of operator and maintenance training for any project, and for this reason have established separate training and demonstration facilities within our Head Office, in Wrexham. We believe that ownership of a system by it’s eventual operators is the most valued aspect of project development and can be the key issue in successful commissioning and hand-over. For this reason, we prefer to introduce operation and maintenance personnel to the system in the early stages of the contract, by demonstration, allowing their input to be acknowledged and included. We then go on to work with the same representatives during installation and commissioning, helping to provide a smooth passage for implementation. In addition to the supply of O and M documentation, formal ‘hands on’ training is standard practice, once the system commences full operation. This method of development also allows our engineers to build a relationship and generates a line of communication for any future support.

Operation and Maintenance Documentation

The Functional Design Document will form the basis of an overall system Operating and Maintenance Manual, issued upon completion of the scheme.

Included in the supplied documentation will be:

The combined product is professionally presented and may be easily followed.

Warranty

The proposed system would be subject to our standard warranty terms for a period of twelve months from commissioning and hand-over of individual component parts.

Where PC based systems are installed, we will generally include the provision of a modem, allowing restricted telephone access in the event that support is necessary. If, upon expiry of the warranty period, a support agreement is not undertaken, the modem is returned. Should however, continued support be requested, the modem remains in place for the duration of the contract. It is however, the customers responsibility to provide and maintain a suitable direct access telephone point.

Continuing Support

Following the warranty period, Merlin Systems Limited offer extended support and out of warranty contracts in order that the systems we provide may be fully maintained, providing cover over seven days per week, twenty four hours per day.

Should site support be necessary, this can be arranged subject to standard warranty or support contract terms, and within an agreed response time. Clients with Support Contracts will be issued with a list of Primary and Secondary Support contact telephone numbers, with the relevant engineers carrying a mobile phone or radio pager, in the event that support is necessary.