Solutions Spotlight

Cognex announces a suite of industrial ID products featuring decoding for part-level traceability applications, which includes two handheld readers and a fixed-mount reader that runs IDMax, Data Matrix reading software based on Cognex technology. DataMan 6400 and DataMan 6500 handheld readers combine high-speed processing with lighting, optics, and software for decoding Data Matrix codes. DataMan 6400 reads codes produced by laser and ink-jet marking. DataMan 6500 reads low contrast codes formed by electrochemical etching and dot peen marking, in addition to laser and inkjet marking. The In-Sight 5110 fixed-mount reader provides real-time 1D and 2D code reading performance. In addition, the 5110 reader supports ISO mark quality metrics for real-time 1D and 2D code verification at mark and read stations. The In-Sight reader is suitable for use on fully automated production lines. www.cognex.com

Symbol Technologies introduces MSS mobility services platform to deploy, manage, and support enterprise wireless infrastructure and mobile devices, and also enable mobile applications. With this platform, users can capture, move, and manage information to the point of business activity. The solution decreases the time it takes to deploy a complex mobile infrastructure. By increasing the visibility of mobile devices and wireless network performance, users can identify and resolve problems before they occur. The platform includes a rack-mountable appliance that provides server-side control of deployments by communicating with mobility service agents resident on all Symbol mobile devices and systems. This allows mobile device and wireless network management and monitoring, including discovery, remote control, configuration, provisioning, and troubleshooting. www.symbol.com

HighJump Delivery Advantage pocket PC features real-time tracking of package delivery and pick-up processes. The application integrates with all HighJump solutions or an existing fulfillment system to facilitate verification and tracking of pick-ups and deliveries by guiding delivery and pick-up personnel through their routes, allowing them to confirm package pick-up/drop-off and capture signatures to confirm activity completion. Because the solution runs on Pocket PC-based devices, information is transmitted back to a fulfillment system, completing the supply chain information loop. In addition, the system provides last-mile tracking to extend visibility of products within the supply chain. www.highjump.com

LXE announces support for Wavelink Avalanche, software for the centralized management of mobile devices. With this device management solution, system administrators can establish configuration profiles for their data collection devices from a central console. Without ever physically touching the device, users can establish networking parameters, update software, change encryption keys and other radio settings, modify platform and BIOS parameters, and configure LXE terminal emulation applications. This ability to immediately manage devices over the air or serially—all at once versus one at a time—allows users to reduce the cost and time required to support and maintain their wireless computers. For example, when users input a change, the next time the computer is turned on, the new configuration is downloaded and applied without operator intervention. www.lxe.com

Cimplicity Tabletview from GE Fanuc is a bundled Windows CE tablet-style computer that has an eight-inch diagonal screen, and comes with pre-installed Cimplicity industrial automation software and a wireless Ethernet card. Using a thin client and wireless Ethernet technology, the system allows users to view real-time graphical automation screens from anywhere in a plant without additional screen configuration. Users can mount a Tabletview docking station conveniently on a machine or process line to allow a stationary workstation to become mobile. By removing the system from the docking station, users can move around work centers while maintaining quick access to systems and processes. Mobile users also can enter process information, as the bidirectional information flow facilitated by the Ethernet card permits easy system interaction. www.gefanuc.com

Wonderware's new product line of industrial tablets and touch panel computers include InTouch 8.0 human-machine interface (HMI) software, plant communications capabilities, and support services. InTouch 8.0 software is part of the FactorySuite A2 product series, based on the ArchestrA industrial automation and information software architecture from Invensys. An open PC platform is pre-integrated with InTouch and communications software, so no additional software installation is required. InTouch software on the mobile tablets and touch panel computers provides visualization and control in many automation scenarios previously serviced only by closed proprietary "dumb" terminals. Plus, the industrial tablets have been ruggedized for the extreme environments that exist throughout process industries. The touch panel computers allow operators to use a PC-based InTouch HMI without being limited to a closed proprietary terminal. www.wonderware.com

At 1.04 lbs and two inches, this lightweight QL 220 from Zebra Technologies is the smallest network addressable printer in the automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) industry. This direct thermal mobile printer was designed with rubberized over-molding to maintain both rugged construction and minimal weight. Applications include: down retail aisles for markdowns, shelf labeling, and receipt printing; in backrooms for direct store delivery verification; and in the field for printing route-accounting delivery receipts. www.zebra.com

Engineers and scientists can access the measurement capabilities of National Instruments data acquisition (DAQ) hardware with five new USB DAQ products, which deliver easy connectivity, portability, and decreased system setup time. The NI DAQPad-6015 and NI DAQPad-6016 increase the maximum sampling rate of the product line to 200 kS/s for a single channel. The NI USB-9211 and NI USB-9215 delivers integrated signal conditioning and measures multiple signals with minimal phase delay. Lastly, the SCXI-1600 DAQ delivers plug-and-play USB connectivity to 40 measurement modules within the NI SCXI signal-conditioning platform. All five are ideal for operations such as in-vehicle data logging and environmental monitoring, as well as academic settings where students and researchers must share hardware and labs. www.ni.com

Integration of the Sony Ericsson GT48 control terminal with Opto 22's OptoGSM I/O hardware resulted in an improved, lower-cost, and flexible wireless system for machine-to-machine (M2M) applications for customers seeking to monitor, control, and acquire operational data from enterprise machines, systems, and equipment. Applications for the Sony Ericsson version of Opto 22's OptoGSM I/O include monitoring, alarming, and messaging of temperature, pressure, tank levels, and other variables, as well as status and on/off control for lights, motors, generators, and other remote equipment. Unlike most wireless telemetry modules, radios, and modems, the GT48 is an intelligent device that can be configured to independently perform control and alarming functions using a built-in scripting engine. www.SonyEricsson.comwww.opto22.com

The CK30 handheld computer from Intermec Technologies features an 802.11 b/g radio for data rates up to 54 Mbps, integrated Bluetooth technology for wireless printing, and imaging and color display options. The system performs legacy applications through terminal emulation, which allows mobile data collection users to migrate their technology. The application, based on the Microsoft Windows CE operating system, has an Intel XScale processor running up to 400 MHz, and includes 802.1x security, with Wi-Fi Protected Access. Users can select laser scanners for either standard range or long-range applications, depending on preferences or usage requirements. Through deployment on the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework, the CK30 allows users to share applications across devices. www.intermec.com