Batch execution system promises improved consistency, visibility, and operation

Proficy Batch 5.5 from GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms enables reduced production costs, increased efficiency and just-in-time production within the ISA-88 framework.

By Peter Welander October 2, 2009

GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, has announced the newest version of its batch control software, Proficy Batch Execution 5.5 . GE says this ISA-88 standard compliant batch product is focused on reduced costs, improved efficiency, and just-in-time production by allowing process engineers to define truly generic recipes that are separate from the plant floor equipment. Such recipes can be reused all across the production facilities, and allow users to reduce the effort to develop and maintain their recipe library. This separation makes it easy to add new products to a production line, improve the quality of products produced, and reduce the risk of operator error.

GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, announced Proficy Batch Execution 5.5.

"In this economy, it is imperative for manufacturers to be flexible in their production to take advantage of market conditions," says Claire Cerrato, general manager of GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms’ automation software group. "Changing production often means reprogramming controllers. Proficy Batch 5.5 gives customers flexibility in what they produce and how they produce it."

Batch operators typically rely on proprietary controllers and custom software systems to operate production lines. GE says it has designed Proficy Batch to help operators increase efficiency and profits by replacing custom batch operations with a robust off-the-shelf batch platform that results in increased flexibility, uptime, and reliability. The ISA-88 model and SFC (sequential function chart) programming language makes writing new recipes easier, allowing an increase in product mix without expensive controller re-programming.

Proficy Batch also offers MES integration with its batch analysis module and Proficy Process Systems, enabling a complete end-to-end batch solution. The platform allows for archival storage of batch data that can later be analyzed and used to update recipes so that the highest quality product can be reproduced consistently.

Proficy Batch 5.5 also includes:

• Formulation support for recipe parameters;
• Improvements to Batch Server;
• Up to 15 terminal server clients supported;
• Improved performance of recipe verification;
• Enhanced DCOM Support;
• Runs with MS Windows Vista and Windows 2008;
• Expanded terminal server support; and
• Improved batch runtime support.

-Edited by Peter Welander, process industries editor, PWelander@cfemedia.com
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