HART Protocol Support

Cornerstone provides a robust implementation of the HART protocol that incorporates direct connection to a single device or several instruments via multi-drop connection, multi-master support, and operation as either primary or secondary master.  Cornerstone implements generic support for any fully compliant HART instrument through the universal and common practice portions of the HART command set.  Generic support includes access to tag, ID, description, range, units, transfer function assignment, the instrument self test function and other data.

Instrument specific support is accomplished through the integration of the transmitter specific command set, as realized in Cornerstone ModLibs.  This level of support provides full, customized, formatted access to instrument specific data and functions not addressable through the universal and common practice commands.  This is particularly important for the more complex instruments like the various flow meters and valve positioners but is just as relevant for simpler devices that may contain special characterization functions.  Only through instrument specific ModLibs can all the features of the HART devices really become active parts of your management of the instrument population.  See the Model Libraries page for more details about available ModLibs.

ISO 9000 Support

The ISO 9000 guidelines for quality stress the importance of conducting calibration and maintenance activities according to documented, trackable procedures.  Cornerstone focuses on providing support for users in achieving compliance with ISO 9000.  Technician practice is standardized through the use of user configured Cornerstone calibration schemes.  All steps in the scheme must be completed in the order specified for a history record of the activity to be created.  Each scheme is identified by its own user supplied name and may be individually printed for permanent documentation.  The test and calibration activities with their associated service notes are recorded and retained in the History database, and may also be printed.  The Cornerstone database provides an additional level of tracking through the incorporation into the history records of supervisor approval/disapproval for each test and calibration.  The history records provide a comprehensive trace of the maintenance performed on each device.  The Reports window functions further document the instrument population as part of a continuing chronological record, most particularly in respect to the important date parameters kept for each device.  The Cornerstone reports also complement the individual instrument histories by making the Event Log a documented record that provides a cross reference to actions performed within the reported time frame.  Finally, you may take advantage of the Diagrams window to place site and organizational guidelines and procedural information at the fingertips of the user.

User Defined Setup Parameters

The Cornerstone user has control over many aspects of the configuration of the Base Station software and its operation.  The system administrator can define valid user names, and assign any of four authorization levels that govern access to Cornerstone functions.  Each instrument may be assigned to a user defined Group designation, which may then be employed in the selection and reporting of instruments.  You can define multiple calibration schemes to most accurately reflect the practice to be followed in the calibration of different devices.  You specify the calibration scheme parameters including frequency of calibration, number of test points, desired accuracy,  and test equipment.  You manage the list of maintenance reasons from which a technician can select the activity to be stored in a history record.  You can also create and install albums for subsequent access through the Diagrams window.

All of the following software setup functions are at your disposal to make the software operate in accordance with your application requirements.

Other Features

applied system technologies, inc.
p.o. box 309
dunnellon, florida,  U.S.A.  34430

ă Copyright 2000-2005 Applied System Technologies, Inc.   All rights reserved.
Cornerstone and the Cornerstone logo are trademarks of Applied System Technologies, Inc. 
Specifications subject to change without notice.
This site was last updated on 17 May 2005.