Some systems we work with are often over 20 years old. Others, perhaps a couple of years. Much of the thinking behind these systems resides inside the heads of the engineers who built them and is not adequately documented. This makes modifications difficult, potentially dangerous and certainly non compliant.
Trinity’s services translate legacy code into modern code using mathematical formulae. This results in object oriented patterns which can be refined, tested and exported to a new system or specification. As code becomes more complex, the true value lies in re-documenting it to demystify and fully understand the functionality. Scenarios can then easily be tested and refined, to mimic potentially thousands of possibilities and truly examine what the system can do or withstand.
Many clients use iDefine purely for translation and re-documenting so as to be aware of exactly what it is they are dealing with. The Trinity process upgrades not just the code but offers the opportunity to then align it to current corporate standards and compliance requirements.
The process of specifying control and safety system design is highly skilled, complex and time consuming. It is not usually until the later stages of development that other disciplines disagree with the design, putting budget and milestones at risk.
Using iDefine to support the design process is a true enabler, both in house and for our customers. Being able to specify the process graphically then working together on simulation models is a practical, cost effective and invaluable method to define functionality and remove ambiguity. What previously could have taken months, if not years, to specify appropriately can now be created and implemented in an offline environment quickly and without risk. Compliance is inherent, with good practice and safety integral to the system.
Years of accrued learning can be unleashed within iDefine. One engineer has told us it allowed him to “become the expert he used to be.” iDefine can create specifications so robust that there is little to no chance of difference in scope of tenders offered against them. Variations can be delivered having been fully tested, in turn retaining the functionality for future specification requirements.
Attempts at standardisation across different geographic regions, languages, cultures and working practices have proved problematic in the past.
Attempts to standardise using templated designs were too inflexible, needed full re-engineering for even minor differences in applications. iDefine is based around a single database where functionality is the foundation of a quality development. Any Changes to templates modify the Database which in turn updates all related documents, code and testing. Its high level, graphical environment provides clarity a and outputs that are easy to understand. Commonality is assured, regardless of the resource used to deliver it.
A centralised engineering function allows contractors and engineers from anywhere in the world to work with iDefine within a process driven methodology, full documentation and system management, all within recognised regulatory standards. Standardisation of the core components and processes ensures quality and compliance can be maintained. A further and no less important advantage is significant savings on engineering time and costs otherwise spent on remedial activity.
Despite thorough traditional engineering, the system just doesn’t do what it is supposed to do.
Trinity deciphers the functionality from existing documentation. The clear manner in which this is displayed allows users to ensure that the derived specification is correct. As soon as this is “signed off” an output driver creates replacement code, effectively reverse engineering the system. iDefine gets to the heart of the problem, tackling systems that work in start-up but not in running state, and vice versa. Off-line modelling allows engineers to test a multitude of “what if…” and “does it do this…” scenarios, each generating reports that explore consequences in minute detail.
With its offline, scenario testing there is a significant risk reduction with iDefine. It does not take over your system and at any point users can output the documentation it has generated and the project is complete. Your knowledge in your system is improved and retained.
