Once a user has accessed their meter through ProLink, an assortment of current and past alerts can be viewed, such as when power resets and other configuration changes have occurred. A visual dashboard also provides read-outs for mass flow rate, volume flow rate, and other metrics, such as the amount of energy being used by the device. Requisite configuration changes to inputs and outputs can be made remotely via the software.
In addition, data from ProLink can be exported into ProcessViz where it can be converted into a spreadsheet format and printed as a report, making Emerson’s wireless metering pipeline convenient not only for engaging in asset monitoring and making on-the-fly adjustments in hazardous or hard-to-navigate environments, but for easing the administrative burden of mandatory reporting to regulatory agencies for compliance purposes.
Still, some threats do abound, and wireless access via the 5700 does not come without its trade-offs. With oil and gas operations having been a target of hackers in the past, cybersecurity concerns must be taken into consideration. Although remote access has great utility, it’s important for operators to keep in mind that with each added point of connection comes an expanded surface for potential cyber attacks.
Emerson is well aware of such risks and has outfitted its 5700 transmitters with the appropriate safeguards. For example, access control allows for two separate sets of log-in credentials—one for administrators and one for operators. This means that while operators can access data and make some moderate changes to configuration without administrative permission, more consequential actions are restricted. Also, the 5700 cannot be connected to via web browser or external web servers. Only Emerson’s proprietary software can be used to limit potential vulnerabilities. Similarly, devices cannot be connected to automatically, but require an assortment of security credentials.
“I typically like to think of security and usability as a trade-off. You want to keep the product as easy and straightforward to use as possible, but you also want to minimize any vulnerabilities,” Wyatt said. “The Wi-Fi option is just that—an option. For people who have extreme security concerns, rest assured that if you order the 5700 without the Wi-Fi option, it doesn’t even include the hardware to make the device wireless, so there’s absolutely no additional security risk there at all. On the other hand, if you are interested in the Wi-Fi option, but you have security concerns, we have built in several levels of security, so you can customize it to get the best solution for your needs.”
