Bridging virtual models and reality for lifecycle support in process industries

Sophisticated IT tools are today a commodity when engineering large one-of-a-kind capital products like process plants. In the best case a comprehensive product virtual model is built up during the engineering phase. In most cases however the information and models are not maintained properly. Information comes from different sources e.g. equipment providers, in different formats and on varying pace. The plant or product operators are not able to keep models up to date. The paper presents practical experiences from industry together with requirements on information management and challenges for future research. A prerequisite is a life-cycle approach, which has to rely on an extensive utilization of virtually bridged with reality and supporting human awareness and learning. The concept will enable Local Virtual Presence of Global Companies.