Is the HAZOP data entry multilingual ?
Each HAZOP can be stored in parallel two languages (e.g. French / English). You can then print out either French or English only as well as a combination of both languages. The catalogs for standard text modules are also multilingual.
Are the latest standards and requirements met ?
CIMOS™ includes the new action priority (AP) and the SIL (safety integrity level) evaluation method, structure trees and a detailed function analysis module. Printouts are in international form formats (IEC standards). The new P-diagram (parameter diagram) will also be soon available.
Is a floating license installation possible (free access from any workstation) ?
Yes.
Are there configurable access privileges (password protection) in CIMOS™ HAZOP ?
Yes, any number of user accounts with specific privileges for individual program functions can be created.
Is the documentation (manual) available online (context sensitive) ?
The corresponding manual chapter is available for each program function mask and each menu with a click of the mouse.
Can the Control Plan (CP) be consistently managed for the HAZOP ?
Yes, the input of HAZOP and CP is guaranteed without contradictions (e.g. not "visual inspection" in HAZOP and "automated sensor inspection" in CP).
Can "standard" HAZOPs be created in CIMOS™ as templates or samples ?
Once that and beyond, it is possible to define reusable analysis modules for individual components or process steps. This yields a noticeable rationalization effect (automated adoption of changes in the "HAZOP module" in variant projects). Complete structure hierarchies can also be copied as "variant trees".
Is it possible to build up a so-called "knowledge database" ?
The knowledge base search function uses keywords (e.g. a malfunction description) to carry out a scanning process in similar projects and, if analogies are found, generates a list of similar items for import.
We work with individual evaluation tables. CIMOS™ too ?
Not only for the HAZOP categories Design / Facility, Process and MSR, but also for e.g. individual process types or function groups, special evaluation catalogs can included. In addition, detailed AP (Action Priority) tables can be defined.
Special Characteristics (YC, YS, CC, SC, etc.) are important to us ...
Critical characteristics (CC safety and certification) and main characteristics (CC functional) can be classified in CIMOS™ and supported by catalogs. This can be used as a selection criterion for data evaluations. The systematic allocation is based on the determination of external (divided into main, secondary and supportive) and derived internal functions in connection with the assessment of the effects (PN Significance).
To what no. of structure levels can complex systems be analyzed ?
The number of system levels is not limited in CIMOS™. The application also allows the modular linking of complete structure tree branches.
How do we keep the overview and track of HAZOP modules (standard modules) ?
As part of the "cross reference list", the system delivers e.g. the information in which higher level projects a working step HAZOP or a system component HAZOP is contained. HAZOPs can also be filtered by e.g. process / function type in project listings.
How is the printout for multi-level (structure tree) HAZOPs designed ?
CIMOS™ creates a consolidated, sequential printout in the format of the form type you selected (e.g. IEC 61882:2017 etc.). For each system element passage (process step or component) there are optional informative lines for the printout, e.g. for version and modification status, as well as structure level position.
How does CIMOS™ support the tracking and implementation of actions ?
All pending action deadlines are listed in sorted form in the "time limit monitoring". Sorting according to AP (action priority) is also available. It is possible to send reminders for overdue measures. The "Deadline Early Warning System" allows automated mailing to the responsible staff member with an indication of upcoming tasks.
The cost / benefit ratio of measures is an important criterion for us
The expected effectiveness of a measure can be classified in CIMOS™ according to a grading system and used as an additional evaluation criterion.
What evaluation options does CIMOS ™ offer ?
Priority lists (PN and AP), pareto diagram, risk matrix, management report, time limit supervision. All evaluations can be filtered according to various criteria (function / process types, project scope, keyword ...).
How are versioning and archiving of documents ensured ?
CIMOS™ includes fully automatic document versioning with a release system and archiving of the version status. Differences in content between older and younger versions are highlighted in color on request. This functionality also applies to the area of the Control Plan (CP).
Can Excel™ based HAZOP / PHA spreadsheets be imported into CIMOS™ ?
Yes, a corresponding add-on module is available. With this, import masks can be individually defined and saved for various Excel™ table formats.
What export options does CIMOS™ offer ?
HAZOPs can be exported to HTML table format. This allows a smooth import in e.g. Excel™ or other standard applications.
How time-consuming is it to update the software ?
Update routines are regularly provided for CIMOS™. After selecting the server directory and entering the required HAZOP admin password, the upgrade is imported automatically (progress bar). Activation codes and your license information remain valid.
How much time will be spent on training and induction ?
MBFG offers workshops on program operation for CIMOS™. For this, at max. 6 hrs. of online training will be sufficient. In addition, a 1-day methodology training course can be booked. We provide team coaching in cooperation with consulting partners.
Are there any additional costs beyond the purchase price ?
No. You can do the simple installation yourself. Additional effort arises in the case of company-specific configurations (adjustments), and maintenance on the basis of service contracts (updates, annual billing) are optionally available. Training according to time accounting (see FAQ).
Allows CIMOS™ to create (process) flow charts ?
Yes, whereby individual diagram elements (e.g. for working steps) can also be linked to the associated HAZOPs.
Is there a PDF export of HAZOP printouts ?
Yes, including free adjustment of scaling, margins etc.
Is it possible to integrate external documents (diagrams, photos, PDFs, etc.) ?
One or even several documents can be linked to each function / characteristic, failure mode, effect, cause, etc. When opened, the Windows™ application assigned to the respective file type (extension) starts (also works with CAD viewers).
Is there a trial / demo version ?
Is available for download. Runs indefinitely, the limits are:
- max. 40 individual projects
- printout limited to one page with watermark (print preview is free)
- no import / export functions
Otherwise, the trial version is identical to the full version. For the free download (Password "level1") CLICK HERE
Can the system be used as a standalone installation as well as in network environments ?
Yes. In your company own network environment as a floating server license (e.g. limit to max. three parallel users, but it does not matter from which workstations these three users take access). Windows™ Server 2019/2016/2012 and front-end Win 10/8/7 are supported. No Mac and no Unix.
How can we integrate external / foreign offices ?
As a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection with permanent hardware BOVPN tunnel (Branch Office VPN). The Client VM (Virtual Machine) is activated for the BOVPN and the users at the remote location can access the application via RDP (Remote Desktop) via Internet and VPN router in the same way as the users at the main company location.
Why isn't CIMOS™ offered in the form of SaaS on the web ?
Numerous reasons speak against web-based models:
a) Need for a working stable internet connection, which is not always guaranteed
b) Misdirected service activities due to short-term connection time outs and fluctuations in bandwidth
c) Loss of data in the case of interruptions, then possibly complex restoration procedures
d) Performance bottlenecks and long response times caused by slowing Internet
e) Delegation of data backup to service providers whose reliability (cycles, etc.) cannot always be tracked
f) Time pressure and possibly communication problems in case of necessary complete or partial restoration of data
g) External mirroring and replication of FMEA relevant documents with possibly sensitive company data
h) Possibly inconsistently configured security settings on the "remote" user systems
i) Encryption problems (safety leaks) in data transmission (HAZOP data contain sensitive information)
j) Sabotage and retrieval of data content also from outside the company with revealed passwords
k) Dependency on the (mostly unknown in detail) security mechanisms of the cloud provider (hackers)
l) Unclear structures of the SaaS provider, e.g. with regard to data outsourcing to subcontractors
m) HAZOP access problems in the case of cloud server maintenance (time zone shift)
n) Difficult to calculate (often higher) application prices based on usage times etc.
o) Frequently surcharges for flexible customer-specific access authorization models (folders / documents)
p) High-priced, if available at all, customizing (individual program adjustments)
q) Need for internet access (browsers, firewalls, malware blockers) on every user workstation
r) Inhomogeneous environments, compatibility problems with different browser applications / versions
s) SaaS interface compatibility problems in data exchange with third-party applications on local servers
t) Involvement of a third party provider for cloud services, resulting in additional financial expenses
u) Necessity to drawing up complex "outsourcing contracts" that have to be updated regularly (GDPR .....)
v) Gaps in data law if the cloud server is actually located outside of your country / continent
w) Longer-term contract binding to service providers with corresponding payment obligations
x) Dependence on support services in the event of a change of provider, e.g. because of poor support
y) Dependency relationship, no further use of the FMEA software in the case of SaaS contract termination
z) Blocked access to HAZOP project data in the event of bankruptcy by the third-party provider or its subcontractor
Technologically, CIMOS™ is also portable on cloud platforms. With reference to the above However, we refrain from such fragile models, especially with regard to the outstanding protection value of HAZOP data.
Risk management is an area of application predestined for on-premises use
If you have any further questions, visit our software presentation page, pls. CLICK HERE