Modules that work closely together to perform a specific process control function are

typically grouped in an area. An area is a logical division of a plant. Areas typically

represent plant locations or main processing functions. The configuration engineer

determines how to logically divide the plant into areas.

Nodes are physical pieces of equipment on the control network, such as a controller

or a workstation. You control your process by downloading modules in the controller

nodes. The configuration tells the node how to act and what information to receive or

save from the process.

Device Tags represent the instruments, valves, and other field devices. A Device

Signal Tag consists of a specific signal from a device.

Alarms alert the operator that an event has occurred. (Alarms are assigned to

modules.) Typically, you want the operator to perform some action and respond to the

alarm. Alarms can be both visible and audible.

The database contains configuration information and lets you make off-line changes

without affecting the process. Online control algorithm monitoring and modification

are also available.