FAQ | Information Center

How do Model Based Predictive Control and Adaptive Predictive Expert (ADEX) control differ?
Model based Predictive Control (MPC) involves a lot of up front work programming a fixed model that cannot evolve as the process dynamics does. The issue with MPC is that if the process variables change from the initial settings or the process dynamics change by any other cause, the model needs to be reworked. With ADEX the model adapts to changes and so the process operation performance does not deteriorate with time.
What languages can I get service in?
ADEX, S.L. is able to offer engineering and system design support in both English and Spanish. Given that our people come from across Europe, and from the Americas, we are also able to offer after sale service support in French, Slovenian, German and Italian.
What does the ADEX control methodology offer that makes it more ideal for industrial process control, in comparison to PID?
PID control reacts to the error already produced, requires human operators to tune its parameters and to retune them, when process dynamics change. In many cases they can’t achieve a satisfactory control performance. The ADEX control methodology uses Adaptive Predictive Control (APC) to predict the process evolution and preempt potential deviations from the desired set point. When abnormal operating conditions disturb the process operation, ADEX uses process knowledge to apply expert control, which drives the process variables back to their nominal operating domains, where APC is again applied.
Is Adaptive Predictive Expert (ADEX) control patented?
Yes, globally since 2001 when the World intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) approved the patent pending.
Why was Expert control added to the Adaptive Predictive control approach?
Expert control adds robustness to Adaptive Predictive Control (APC) by ensuring that when the process variable is operating outside the domains optimally controlled by APC, expert rules are applied to ensure the process variable be driven back to the desired APC domains.
How do ADEX Controllers know when to use Expert Control and when to allow the application of Adaptive Predictive Control to the process?
The configuration of the ADEX controller divides the process range of operation into both Adaptive Predictive and Expert domains, thus the ADEX controller can tell when which type of control method is needed to ensure robust, and optimal, process operation.

What are COS and SCS, and what role does each play in an ADEX control system?
The Control and Optimization System (COS) of an ADEX system contains the executable coding that allows for the optimized control of plant operations, and this software works on top or embedded within our clients’ control systems to optimize their industrial processes. The Supervisory and Configuration System (SCS) is the graphical user interface (GUI) of the ADEX system. It is used by the system operator to input variable values, supervise design control strategies and ADEX controllers, and track the optimization process.
What is the difference between On Top and Embedded applications, and how do each effect implementation and project costs?
“On Top” applications are the most straightforward applications of ADEX software as it is applied to the process through the existing Local Control System (LCS) remotely from another machine, using a standard communications driver – generally OPC. ADEX Embedded applications are built and operate within the LCS and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system of the process. Embedded applications require that ADEX controllers and configuration data be included in the database of the LCS, and that both be used in the control and optimization logic of the client’s system. On Top applications are appropriate when a local control system has already been installed on the process and it is not desirable its modification. Embedded applications are appropriate for new applications, where the local control system has not been installed yet. The benefit of On Top applications is the simplicity of their implementation, while embedded applications do not have to depend on a remote connection to a machine external to the local control system.
What is a Control and Optimization Platform and what are it?s features?
The Control and Optimization Platform (COP) is where the designer develops and defines ADEX systems, and where he can access the three ADEX COP utilities: the Processor, the Supervisor and the Simulator. The Processor allows for the coding of the control and optimization strategies, the Supervisor allows for the development of the SCS, which includes the graphical user interface and the ADEX controllers configurator, and the Simulator, which allows the definition of the process simulation scenarios to test and validate the ADEX system.
Is an embedded implementation more robust over time?
On Top implementations are robust and work very well in the majority of cases. However, ADEX, S.L. has developed the embedded approach for operating environments where execution times are critical and/or that require a heightened level operating security.
How do I know if my process can benefit from the ADEX control methodology?
The only formal requirement for the application of the ADEX control methodology is that the operating process be a continuous one, given that the methodology learns from the process over time, allowing for a superior level of process control and optimization. While ADEX has proven very effective in advanced and complex operating environments, ADEX can be applied across industries and to processes of differing levels of complexity and stability.

Do you have client references I can view online?
Yes. In the Information Center you can access client testimonials when you go to the Publications section, and search within the "In-house Documents" documentation found at the bottom of the page.
My industry is listed, I have a very specific application that I'd like to discuss. Who should I contact?
Please contact the company President Dr. Juan Martín Sánchez by email, or simply call our offices in Madrid at +34 913 327 792 between 09h00 and 17h00 GMT+1 to speak with one of our specialists about your specific application.
Do you have case studies of past client projects?
Yes. By navigating to Industries, you will be able to read, download and electronically forward case studies of past ADEX, S.L. projects. We hace case studies from past client projects from eight different industries.
My industry is not listed, but I think we could benefit from the ADEX control methodology. Who do I contact to find out if ADEX is right for me?
Please contact the company President Dr. Juan Martín Sánchez by email, or simply call our offices in Madrid at +34 913 327 792 between 09h00 and 17h00 GMT+1 to speak with one of our specialists about your specific application.

Where are your offices located?
Our head office is located a short drive from Barajas international airport (MAD) in Madrid, Spain. However we have, and are increasing our, representative offices globally. Call us to learn more about how we can work together at +34 913 327 792.
Are you currently hiring?
We are always looking for top quality talent. By navigating to our Career Opportunities section, you can learn more about the current positions available in one of three categories: 1) Applications Development and Support, 2) Business Management and Growth, or 3) Contractual and Internship.
How do I contact a specific person?
To contact a specific person from our management team, please navigate to the Who We Are section, in About ADEX. On this page you will find links to management profiles and their personal contact information.
How does ADEX software help the environment?
Our software optimizes the operation of industrial processes. What this means is that we enable processes to be more productive with the input resources consumed, while at the same time reducing emissions and waste resulting from poor process control.

How do I become a business partner of ADEX, S.L.?
We work with engineering firms, OEMs and clients - all of which we consider to be business partners. To learn more about becoming one of our business partners, please contact the company President Dr. Juan Martín Sánchez by email or simply call our offices in Madrid at +34 913 327 792 between 09h00 and 17h00 GMT+1 to learn more about how we can work together.
How do I become an academic or research partner of ADEX, S.L.?
We work with academic and research partners globally to develop new applications of ADEX, and to deliver training courses locally. Please contact the company President Dr. Juan Martín Sánchez by email or simply call our offices in Madrid at +34 913 327 792 between 09h00 and 17h00 GMT+1 to learn more about how we can work together.
Does ADEX, S.L. participate in EU-funded initiatives?
Yes. We are a CORDIS-listed organization, and we are actively seeking partners to collaborate on development projects, within the guidelines of the European Union's Framework Program 7.
Can I partner with ADEX, S.L. if my organization is not located in Europe, North or Latin America?
Yes. We are currently looking to establish business and academic/research partnerships in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Please contact the company President Dr. Juan Martín Sánchez by email or simply call our offices in Madrid at +34 913 327 792 between 09h00 and 17h00 GMT+1 to learn more about how we can work together.

How do I register for an upcoming training course?
You can register for an upcoming training course online, by email or by calling our offices at +34 913 327 792. To register by email, please mail our Office Manager Rosario Moreno at rmoreno@adexcop.com.
Can the training courses be customized for a group of engineers at my company, and relates to processes from my industry?
Yes. Given that some of our clients require that many of their control professionals be trained in the same course, we can customize content to ensure your training objectives are met, with regards to applying the ADEX methodology across operating units.
How often are courses given in Madrid? Is there virtual version of the course?
Our courses are primarily offered presentially at our offices in Madrid, but can be offered on site for groups of 6 or more students. The course also can be taken through the UNED - Spain's national open education university. Courses are given throughout the year, and we encourage you to review the Information Center section (see Events and Training) for more information.
What can I expect to learn in an ADEX training course?
You'll learn about the ADEX theory and methodology and how to use the ADEX COP platform to develop, define, compile and execute control and optimization strategies based on ADEX controllers which can be applied in parallel with the existing plant control system, with little or no modification to the existing system.
What is the format of the course?
You'll learn about how the ADEX control methodology works, and how to apply it to your operating environment. Moreover, you'll learn about how the ADEX methodology compares to other control methodologies, and you'll also be given a demonstration version of the software.