Introduction | Benefits | Interface | Architecture | Overview

Introduction

j5 is a collection of integrated web applications that log, organize and manage the operating processes of industrial sites.

j5 collects logs, work plans, reports and live data from the field, and collates and makes this information instantly available across the site to all applicable users.

j5 not only replaces the paper-based logbook or Excel spreadsheet typically used in most control rooms or technical and maintenance workshops, but also integrates with your day-to-day operations, smoothly recording progress and feedback while you focus on the task at hand.

j5 can be easily configured to meet almost every business requirement. The basic configuration includes the following functionality:

• Simple, day-to-day logging of events in the Operator Logbook.
• Clear handover of responsibility between shifts in the Handover Logbook.
• Comprehensive reporting, analysis, storage and distribution of real-time data from manual and operational software sources with the Shift Reporter.
• Detailed tasks precisely defined and recorded in the Work Instructions.
• Optional applications configurable to meet the needs of operators, operations managers and HSE managers.

For more information on specific applications >>

Benefits

The j5 package offers:

Visibility.  Log entries are immediately available on all consoles across the site and to authorized users off site, immediately improving coordination of operations.  Users may access logs using off-the-shelf query tools, drill-down capabilities and filters.

Accuracy.  j5 guarantees critical fields are completed, reads real time data from other systems, checks spelling, eliminates double data-entry and performs automatic calculations, decreasing human error and enhancing accuracy.

Multiple user rights.  J5 has unlimited scope for adding users with varying rights.  For example, a maintenance manager can add an entry to the control room logbook if the repair he is undertaking relates to that area.

Accountability.  j5 allows you know exactly who made the log entry and any revisions are recorded by user with a date and time stamp.

Efficiency.  Processes are standardized across the plant, data entry is automated where possible, and logbook data is easy to retrieve from any web browser, anywhere in the world.   Users need no additional software.

Integration.  j5 reads data from your other systems (DCS, SCADA, CMMS, OSI) and allows you to make informed decisions.

Compliance.  Research into relevant standards and legislation across the world has enabled j5 to support regulatory compliance, giving you peace of mind.

Notifications.  Notifications sent out to the management and operating team allows them to always be aware of critical plant activity and have a hands-on management approach.

Ease of use.  The j5 logbook is easy to understand and fill out.  Information is sorted and ordered according to configurable fields.  j5 allows you to color-code your logs by log types, ensuring easy identification.

Superior log records.  J5 offers additional functionality such as adding custom fields, categories and log attachments (e.g. documents, files, images & notes).

Password control.  User rights can be configured to restrict viewing, log entry, log modification, access to areas and applications, etc., enabling a manager to control the input and output of the system.

Safety & Hazard Management.  j5 also offers a comprehensive suite of HSE applications.  j5 increases safety in your plant by facilitating shift handovers.  j5 allows you to add in your safety checklist which must be completed by the operator before handing over the shift.

Custom reports.  j5 delivers a range of standard reports and the ability to customize reports as required.

Configurability.  J5 is highly configurable.  This facilitates both the continual development of new applications and the customisation of existing applications, e.g. setting up new logbook fields or pre-selected categories.

A complete solution.  j5 offers a wide and growing suite of operations management applications, operating on a single user-interface, and integrating with the diverse systems necessary for the smooth operation of industrial plants.

Interface

The j5 framework incorporates many features to simplify the user interface and to make it more intuitive. These functions are common to all applications making the system easy to use and predictable.  j5 uses a combination of drill down and one-touch filtering mechanisms to provide a superior intuitive user interface that is sensitive to the role of each user and the area that they manage. The screenshot below shows some of the features available in a j5 Application.

Particular emphasis is placed on the filtering of information using the Filter Buttons and the Ad Hoc Filtering capability.

Architecture

j5 supports a suite of different applications, features and connectors which fit seamlessly into the j5 Framework and communicate with each other as and when required (see figure below).  In addition, there are numerous support modules to ensure that the system is well managed and operates smoothly.

j5 can be divided into three main components: the j5 Framework, j5 Applications and Customization. Users may be set up to have different levels of access to these components depending on their role.

A typical j5 structure aims at integrity and modularity whilst retaining simplicity of design. All the modules required for any project are included in the j5 system and no third party software other than a database is required.

Because j5 is web based and hosted on the intranet, users can access the system from any computer which has a web browser. The diagram below shows how a user on the Intranet gets information from the j5 Applications.

Initially a systems administrator is responsible for the configuration of the logbooks and applications. The systems administrator sets up the various fields and logbooks. The configuration information is then stored in the database for each of the applications.

Whenever a user clicks on a link in the browser on his or her screen, a request is sent to the main server asking for the relevant information for that user.  The web server then transfers the request to the j5 Application.  j5 then reads the configuration tables which define the layout of the form to be presented to the user. (For example: the order in which the logs are presented to the user is a parameter specified in the configuration tables.) j5 then creates the html information according to the format defined in the configuration tables.  The j5 application then sends the information via the Web Server back to the user’s browser. In the browser, the information is translated and displayed in the relevant form and grid.  In systems with a heavy load, a front-end server such as Apache is used as a reverse proxy to run the j5 server across multiple processes.

Whenever a user adds a new log, the information is stored, together with the categories associated with that log entry, in the data tables. Additional system categories such as user name, shift number, date, time, etc. are also stored with the log information.

The function of the j5 web server is to allow many users to access the information simultaneously across the network.

Hosting

3 options are available when it comes to hosting the system: a Hosted Solution (Software as a service), an Onsite Solution and a Warm Standby:

• On-site Architecture – This architecture is similar to the hosted architecture with the exception that the server is connected directly to the site LAN. In this case, the management of the server hardware is managed by the end user.
• Warm Standby – j5 supports the concept of dual (or more) standby servers which may be situated on site or on separate sites.

Overview

Below is a diagram describing the features, options and functionality of the j5 system.