Information technology is increasingly dominating all business processes in companies. In addition to material and energy flows in production, it is also important to control information flows. The laboratory is committed to recognizing the tasks and designing solutions. This is intended to prepare graduates for the demands of the job market.

Supervising professor
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Norbert Große has studied electrical engineering/computer engineering and completed his PhD in control engineering at the RWTH Aachen University. As head of the process control technology department at Bayer AG, he planned the automation of plants and advised project teams in the various business units and subsidiaries on the use of data acquisition and process control systems. Since 1995, he has been teaching process control engineering, in particular measurement and control technology as well as information technology at the TH Cologne for future electrical engineers.
He is a lecturer at the AKAD University of Applied Sciences in Stuttgart, the Lübeck University of Applied Sciences and the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences in Köthen.
He also works as a consultant for manufacturers of process control systems and field devices, as well as for users in the process industry, focusing on training, project management and plant validation. The laboratory is an extended development department for plant manufacturers.

Abstract
This presentation provides guidance on how to plan the operation of integrated safety systems. After a brief overview, it covers key aspects of Functional Safety such as relevant standards, laws and regulations. The focus is then placed on risk assessment and connected methodologies, moving then to the discussion of system design principles. The final part sums up the main findings and underlines the importance of a holistic approach to safety.
By integrating documentation, risk analysis, system design and strategic measures, organizations can create a solid foundation for effective planning and sustainable operation of integrated safety systems thus ensuring protection of assets, personnel and the environment.

Abstract
This presentation uses the example of a MinGAS plant to explain the planning process for ensuring a plant's Functional Safety and explosion protection. After introducing the applied methodologies, such as fault tree analysis (FTA), hazard and operability study (HAZOP) and the SIL risk diagram according to IEC 61508-5, it discusses safety-related protective measures and the crucial role of the safety instrumented system (SIS) and its safety instrumented functions (SIF) in mitigating the identified risks. The final section illustrates the water system reconstructed in the PLT laboratory and explains the pertinent test measures, operating instructions and documentation.
The holistic approach chosen for the system presented provides the audience with valuable impulses for thorough planning of Functional Safety.