|
Supply
and Distribution for the Future
In today's fast paced environment, customer needs dictate
when the future arrives for any industry. So goes the path of a recently
challenged chemical manufacturer and supplier. They needed real-time control
and data acquisition that could be monitored and maintained globally,
distributing data across multiple platforms, with remote capability equivalent
to that of the local system. Past problems occurred when systems ran out
of chemicals, causing an immediate system failure, with 8 hours of maintenance
needed before a system restart.
Introduction
Utilizing ControlView (based on Advantech's WebOIT-642)
as the hardware
platform for
FlashPoint's IEC 61131-3 (ISaGRAF based) embedded control
engine with global connectivity and (Indusoft based) visualization, a
chemical supplier is now able to utilize real-time data from 250 different
systems at various customer locations, allowing just- in-time delivery,
with local and remote system analysis reducing production costs, improving
quality and reducing down time.
System Requirements
FlashPoint Technologies' open architecture design was chosen over proprietary
providers for maximum versatility with an extensible real-time control
and data distribution system. The data would be required at each local
facility, as well as throughout the supply chain's sales, delivery and
support organizations, regardless of location or platform, utilizing TCP/IP
and wireless 802.11B standards.
Complete system information
as well as alarm information must be available to all parties for immediate
access on PCs, PDAs, cell phones, and pagers leveraging an assortment
of technologies to include text messaging, pop-ups with audio, email,
SMS, and instant messaging.
System Description
The multi-facility system utilizes 250 FlashPoint ControlView devices
(Advantech customized WebOIT-642). ControlView units are the nucleus of
the multidimensional control and data distribution network. ControlView
allows the system to perform manually based on operator input, or automatically
by predefined recipes. All production and diagnostic information is distributed
to various physical locations and systems across the multidimensional
network consisting of local TCP/IP clients with 802.11B wireless access
for support staff.
Internet based web
clients are implemented for suppliers, along with multi system XML connectivity.
Strategically placed 802.11B access points are also in place for visiting
supplier sales, support, and delivery. New generation predictive analytics
(patent pending) is on the board for the next iteration.
Conclusion
FlashPoint Technologies utilizes off-the-shelf hardware and software components
to create embedded automation solutions for OEM's. They are a company
dedicated to developing world class, open automation products and solutions
built around open standards and embedded software architectures. Their
focus is the integration of software tools and components from global
leaders, like ISaGRAF and Indusoft Web Studio, and innovative concepts
that they have created, into packaged OEM solutions. A significant source
of revenue also comes from the sale of integration services, product evolution
consulting, and outsourced manufacturing.
FlashPoint is driven
by the desire to help OEM's take advantage of new technologies that enable
them to reduce cost, expand markets, and seamlessly connect to legacy
automation systems. The entire automation system described in this article,
less wireless components, was created for under $1500/unit, including
hardware, I/O, control software, web server, and MMI software.
The above mentioned application was designed and implemented by FlashPoint
Technologies Charlotte, NC. For more information on FlashPoint Technologies'
ControlView products or customized OEM solutions, call 704-341-3393 or
visit them at www.fpcontrol.com.
Contact Advantech Industrial Automation for More Information:
website: http://www.advantech.com/ia
Email: info@advantech.com
Advantech Industrial Automation Office locator: Click
Here
|
|
