ABB has announced the newest version of its well-established Knowledge Manager (KM) software, which has helped mining and cement customers around the world improve the performance and productivity of their operations and equipment for decades. ABB Ability™ Knowledge Manager 9.1 offers new features to improve usability and engineering capabilities. Direct customer feedback from several pilot installations worldwide led to this version of ABB Ability™ Knowledge Manager, which is a core product in ABB’s digital solution set for mining and cement customers.

“This version of ABB Ability™ Knowledge Manager is a great example for how we collaborate closely with our customers to design and improve the solutions they need for their operations,” said Eduardo Lima, Global Product Manager Digital Mining and Cement at ABB. “We are very focused on helping our customers to succeed; we always strive to provide them with the latest solutions, services and support they need to meet their goals.”

Older KM installations can be smoothly upgraded to this new version, which further builds upon the improvements started in its previous version 9.0, and now includes visually improved dashboards. Outdated chart technologies are continuously being replaced with a variety of newer ones that are based on HTML5, providing more interactive functions and better performance. The new version also supports engineering based on standard ISA-95 equipment models. It provides engineering synchronization with other ABB solutions, such as ABB Ability™ AssetVista, for easier integration with less effort required. New data collection mechanisms using the OPC UA standard are now also available, enabling simpler and more secure integration with other systems and solutions.

Information management and transparency across operations is key for users at all plant levels. There is a particular need at companies with multiple plants to understand why these are operating at different performance levels. An integrated information management system, such as ABB Ability™ Knowledge Manager, allows sharing knowledge across sites in the organization. Offering out-of-the box industry-specific functionality, KM can be quickly implemented to start delivering results immediately. It provides analytical insight to identify best practices and improve overall operation at the plant and at corporate levels. The system incorporates leading-edge digital capabilities and technology to provide mining and cement industry customers with the ability to view, analyze, and act upon critical data.

Integrated with the ABB Ability™ System 800xA process control system and its extensive Minerals Library, Knowledge Manager includes an easy-to-use mobile interface, so operators can access process performance information at any time from any location. The new version also includes functions to create, view, and share reports, charts, and trend analysis, and improvements to navigation and information storage. It draws upon ABB’s vast knowledge of industry-specific process challenges and solutions and facilitates access to and guidance from ABB’s global network of process industry experts.

Since its first release in 1996, many installations have benefited from Knowledge Manager’s industry specific functions, such as: Production Information Management, Cement Production Accounting, ERP Integration, and Laboratory Information Management System. Knowledge Manager simplifies production management by enabling performance monitoring, downtime management and maintenance support, as well as providing statistical production analysis tools. It provides solutions and advanced tools to facilitate the collection, consolidation and distribution of production, quality and energy information via web-based dashboards, reports, trends, and graphs.