Proficy HMI/SCADA Cimplicity 8.0 enhances analytics, graphics engine

Existing applications automatically display better with Cimplicity 8.0, which introduces a new graphics-rendering engine, says GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms.

Charlottesville, VA – A “significant update” to the graphics engine and a redesigned interface compatible with Microsoft’s Fluent technology and Quick Access toolbars promise to enhance end user productivity and decrease development time and for users of Version 8.0 of Proficy HMI/SCADA Cimplicity from GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions. Other upgrades in Version 8.0 better handle time zone issues across multiple plants, and provide better integration with Historian functions.Cimplicity 8.0 supports Microsoft’s latest operating systems and development platforms, including Microsoft Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. The functionality of Microsoft’s Fluent interface, generally associated with Vista, is not dependent on that operating system, however. Microsoft Windows XP users, for example, can get the same customization and productivity benefits in 8.0’s CIMedit development environment. The new interface follows the Ribbon Bar concept, which enables quicker access to galleries and the ability to create custom menus thereby increasing productivity.Existing applications automatically display better with Cimplicity 8.0 , which introduces a new graphics-rendering engine. The engine supports larger run-time screens measuring up to 50,000 by 50,000 pixels, as well as transparency of images, improved gradient shading, anti-aliasing, and native picture support. A built-in “CIMView rubber-band zoom tool” enables dynamic zooming from the toolbar, allowing drill-down access to data automatically. A new 3D pipe object tool lets developers draw screens more quickly.Digital Graphical Replay (DGR) 2.0 provides Historian functionality with visual support. DGR lets users replay and analyze past event screens in slow motion, real time or up to 10x the speed, enabling them to identify and troubleshoot issues and make more intelligent decisions. The new Cimplicity also provides better Proficy Historian integration in the form of new 100 tags.Dynamic time handling capability—based on technology developed for the U.S. Navy—which enables changing time zones “on the fly” to support multi-plant operations. The software knows where on the globe a user is located, so time stamps can be localized and synchronized.Other new features in Cimplicity 8.0 include enhanced security protection. Cimplicity 8.0 requires only a Microsoft Windows Vista/Server 2008 standard user account. It has been thoroughly tested to ensure full operation while using a standard user account with no User Account Protection (UAP) security prompts, therefore reducing the risk of unauthorized file/program access and core system issues.

Existing applications automatically display better with Cimplicity 8.0, which introduces a new graphics-rendering engine.

– Edited by Renee Robbins , senior editor Control Engineering News Desk Register here and scroll down to select your choice of eNewsletters free .

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