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Rockwell Automation updated its FactoryTalk ProductionCentre manufacturing execution system (MES) software to help improve application performance and scalability, speed deployment, and support mobile and cloud infrastructures. This is to address the needs of global manufacturing with MES tools that support operations spanning time zones and continents; employees that need to collaborate as they travel between plants or work remotely; and complex and varied enterprise-, plant- and cloud-based information systems that must interface continuously.
Technology Update: The latest iteration of the MES software has been refreshed to the latest Java Enterprise Edition 7 (EE7) standards. FactoryTalk ProductionCentre R10 software reportedly helps to improve application performance and flexibility on the Web, and helps speed time to value by reducing development and deployment effort, all while maintaining adherence to open standards.
Mobile and Cloud Support: New HTML5 zero-footprint, true, thin-client user interfaces (UIs) help to eliminate the need for virtual terminals, like CITRIX, or terminal servers. Users can run the application in a Web browser, integrate it into an HMI terminal, and implement it across multiple networks without the need for local installation. This reportedly helps reduces IT capital costs and maintenance burdens. Additionally, the thin client UIs can be extended to mobile devices. Mobile applications leverage the existing FactoryTalk Security mechanisms built into FactoryTalk software, freeing IT from supporting multiple configuration platforms.
I/O server: The new I/O server supports clustering and load balancing. Several FactoryTalk ProductionCentre I/O servers can be assigned a single IP address, so more servers can be added as the data load grows without significantly impacting the application. Should an I/O server fail, a built-in failover capability will automatically switch data collection to another server in the cluster, helping to ensure high availability. The I/O server also provides store and forward services for controlled, real-time data exchange with remote or cloud-based databases.
Notification and Work Flow Flexibility: The FactoryTalk ProductionCentre R10 notification service now drives alerts based on work flow. Notifications are triggered by system-based events, such as an order start or out-of-spec quality event, letting operations know it is time to perform critical tasks, before, during or after production. Notifications can be tied to a specific work area, machine, equipment type or plant, and are sent to key stakeholders on a workstation or HMI via email or text, among other options.
Keywords: Manufacturing Execution System (MES), Mobile, Cloud, Clustering, Load Balancing, ARC Advisory Group.