PRODUCTION CONTROL AND INFORMATION SYSTEM OFFERS MORE THAN 30 CAPABILITIES TO END USERS

Rockwell Automation offers its Integrated Architecture production control and information system with more than 30 capabilities for end users and machine builders. Featuring the Rockwell Automation Stratix family, advanced process control and safety functionality, and three Logix programmable automation controllers (PACs) for midrange machine builders and end users alike, this expansion is designed to help improve integration and performance within the manufacturing and IT infrastructure.

The Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture is a production control and information system allowed by fully integrated control, network, visualization and information technologies. The Integrated Architecture platform addresses a full range of control and information needs for discrete, process, batch, motion, drive and safety applications, and addresses enterprise performance information needs including quality and compliance, production management and asset management.

Advanced process control (APC) features include runtime partial import/export functionality, APC function blocks and controller online change logging. Runtime partial import functionality helps reduce downtime risks and improve productivity during deployment and maintenance operations, allowing the addition of new programs, routines and add-on instructions, as well as replacement of existing programs and routines. APC function blocks allow for long, dead-time processes and provide simpler multivariable control with automatic tuning built in. The controller online change-logging feature allows users to be notified when application changes are made. Regulated industries will benefit from tighter control and evidence of validation for industry certifications. Process customers may also be interested in the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix L65 PACs with increased memory capacity.

Safety tools for use with Allen-Bradley GuardLogix PACs offer a suite of 10 specific metal-forming instructions certified by German-based Berufsgenossenschaften (BG) as compliant with leading safety standards. These instructions – associated with clutch/brake, control and safety, valve control, and cam and crankshaft monitoring – improve ease of use, simplify diagnostics and streamline maintenance to canning applications and other metal-forming press-control and safety applications. The new GuardLogix L63S PAC is also available with this release. Because GuardLogix controllers are designed to help perform safety and standard functions, the amount of time required for programming, validation and testing is reduced. Using the same controller for both safety and standard control also helps reduce wiring costs.

Information capabilities are provided with the Rockwell Automation Stratix family. The family features a Rockwell Automation and Cisco co-branded line of modular, managed switches with attributes that will add value to both IT and automation control professionals. Other product lines in the portfolio include Embedded Technology, as well as lines of fixed managed and unmanaged switches, and physical media. The entire portfolio uses standard, unmodified Ethernet and is optimized for use in EtherNet/IP applications and the Integrated Architecture system, while the Cisco operating system, user environment and feature set is exclusive to the Stratix 8000 line.
www.rockwellautomation.com