Solutions Spotlight
This month: Factory automation and plant-floor applications
By Staff -- Manufacturing Business Technology, 7/1/2004 12:00:00 AM
Analysis modules allow production boost via real-time data
Citect's Industrial Information Management solutions give corporate, IT, plant, and production managers real-time access to plant and business data, making it possible to identify and act on opportunities to refine workflow, maximize overall equipment efficiency, and correct problems before they impact the supply chain, regulation compliance, or production. Citect's Metrics module sends plant-centric key performance indicators (KPIs) to the desktop via a digital dashboard. KPIs are then aligned with business strategies, empowering operators to align changes with corporate decision-making. www.Citect.com
Cimnet expands MES with collaborative suite integration
Cimnet's manufacturing execution system (MES) software, Factelligence, has been integrated with EntComm's SAP-certified Resonance Suite for manufacturers looking to enhance collaboration between the factory floor and the supply chain. Factelligence—a configurable MES for companies preparing for growth into make-to-order, lean, or collaborative manufacturing strategies—enhances supply chain visibility by linking directly to a company's equipment and providing facts during the manufacturing process. EntComm's Resonance Suite accelerates peer-to-peer collaboration between companies, and enables real-time visibility. www.cimnetinc.com
Business process optimization solutions offer refined reasoning technology
Gensym Corp. says its G2 expert system and G2-based software applications reduce the time to deploy operational decision-support solutions and achieve ROI using real-time reasoning technology. Capabilities include out-of-the-box functionality for quick configuration and deployment, support for Windows user interface standards, as well as integration standards such as XML, COM, JMS, and OPC. The solutions also extend to encapsulation of domain-specific expertise, graphical modeling of expertise, and combining expert-system logic with neural network models. www.Gensym.com
Measurement software automates hardware platform instrumentation
National Instruments' Labview 7.1—a graphical development environment for creating flexible and scalable test, measurement, and control applications—now extends to automated instrumentation and real-time applications with Express VIs (virtual instrumentation) for the company's modular instruments; and DAQmx (data acquisition), for advanced debugging and low-level execution timing for Labview 7.1. There are five new VIs for digitizers, signal generators, and high-speed digital I/O. Labview 7.1 also incorporates new advanced execution timing and graphical debugging for low-level control and visibility of real-time system execution. www.ni.com
Data acquisition system touts memory sharing for improved reliability
GE Fanuc Automation reports its PACSystem Control Memory Xchange increases data acquisition capacity and reliability, even in the harshest electrical noise environments. The system allows multiple devices to share large amounts of control data over a fiber-optic, deterministic network up to 200 times faster than Ethernet, with improved security over the open protocol Ethernet. The system supports distance requirements to physically separate redundant processors in different cabinets or buildings, and its memory-sharing application operates in parallel to the main logic CPU with virtually no effect on the scan time of the control processor. By acquiring large amounts of data at high speed, users can adjust process parameters and achieve tighter synchronization between control systems, leading to improved product quality and reduced material scrap. www.Gefanuc.com
HMI software reduces application engineering, testing
Wonderware reports Version 9.0 of its InTouch human-machine interface (HMI) software includes SmartSymbol technology to reduce application engineering, testing, and deployment time by integrating object-oriented technology with InTouch graphics into reusable templates. Template changes automatically propagate throughout an application—even across multiple networked PC nodes—meaning users spend less time creating, modifying, validating, and revalidating HMI applications. www.Invensys.com
Distributed I/O for OEMs shows system errors, channel status
Simatic ET 200eco from Siemens Energy & Automation is a digital distributed I/O block solution for machine builders and OEMs requiring IP65/67 protection for cabinetless designs in industrial settings. Components include a basic I/O module, and a terminal block for fast Profibus connections. LEDs provide visual confirmation of diagnostics, including bus and system errors as well as incoming power. Each I/O channel has a channel status LED. ET 200eco is available with two different terminal blocks: the M12, using standard 12mm connectors; and Ecofast, which incorporates both the I/O module power supply and Profibus in one connector. www.sea.Siemens.com
Certification program for automation product know-how
Rockwell Automation is offering a three-stage Certified Systems Professional program for manufacturers using Rockwell Automation products. Individuals considering certification should have skills and experience involving five or more projects that required advanced automation controls and networks, as well as experience in visualization, power handling, drives, or motion control. www.Rockwellautomation.com
Machine-to-machine applications starter kit
Opto 22 announces Nvio, a complete package for machine-to-machine applications that includes sensor interfaces, wired or wireless communications, and a Web portal. Nvio uses a low-risk method to monitor, message, control, and acquire operational data from the extended enterprise. Applications include remote monitoring and management of data points for tanks, pipelines, and manufacturing equipment; as well as status and on/off control for lights, motors, generators, and other equipment. Communications components allow data transmission via Ethernet, wireless LAN, dial-up, and cellular. www.Opto22.com
Supervisory control/data acquisition system supports Microsoft platforms
Iconics' flagship Genesis32 human machine interface/SCADA system, and BizViz, a new manufacturing intelligence suite, now extend to all current Microsoft platforms. Genesis 32, a Win-32 COM application, is based on OPC Data Access, OPC Alarm and Events, and OPC Historical Data Access specifications. Genesis32 also is compliant with Microsoft DNA for Manufacturing and .NET initiatives, as it includes Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications, VBScript, JScript, ActiveX, SQL Server, and SOAP/XML technologies. The BizViz Suite of manufacturing intelligence solutions connects the factory floor to the enterprise using Microsoft .NET, Web services, ASP.NET, OPC XML, and other Web-enabling technologies. www.Iconics.com
Only relevant data, views shown in control system
ABB's Industrial IT System 800xA extends the scope of traditional control systems to include all automation functions in a single operations and engineering environment, extending to production management, safety systems, smart instrumentation, smart drives and motor control, robotics, information management, asset optimization, and documentation. The system manages one set of consistent data, for single-point entry, single-point change, and reuse across the plant. With a single interface, System 800xA users access specific information and functions, eliminating time spent searching through data or views not relevant to the job. www.ABB.com
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