A process control system uses an asset utilization expert to collect data
or information pertaining to the assets of a process plant from various
sources or functional areas of the plant including, for example, the
process control functional areas, the maintenance functional areas and
the business systems functional areas. This data and information is
manipulated in a coordinated manner by tools, such as optimization and
modeling tools and is redistributed to other areas or tools where it is
used to perform overall better or more optimal control, maintenance and
business activities. Information or data may be collected by maintenance
functions pertaining to the health, variability, performance or
utilization of a device, loop, unit, etc. and this information may then
be sent to and displayed to a process operator or maintenance person to
inform that person of a current or future problem.