Wonderware launches industrial tablets, touch-panel computers

Lake Forest, CA— Wonderware has released its new Industrial Tablets and Touch Panel Computers, which are built on innovative hardware, Microsoft’s operating systems, and Wonderware’s software and support services. This line of integrated hardware, software and services combines InTouch 8.0 human-machine interface (HMI) software, plant communications capabilities, and support services. The tablets and computers allow implementation of a consistent plant intelligence software solution by a spectrum of industrial applications. Wonderware is an operating unit of Invensys Systems Inc.

InTouch 8.0 software is part of the FactorySuite A2 product series, which provides plantwide solutions based on the ArchestrA industrial automation and information software architecture from Invensys. A2 signifies use of ArchestrA technology.

Ready to work out of the box, Industrial Tablets and Touch Panel Computers’ open PC platforms are pre-integrated with InTouch and communications software, so no additional software installation is required. The tablets and computers allow use of Wonderware’s InTouch software with increased versatility and mobility, which can reduce considerable time and expense for operator training, IT software administration and management, and vendor costs.

“Integrating InTouch software with hardened tablets and touch panel computers increases our customers’ mobility on the plant floor and makes it even more convenient for them to manage their production processes,” says Mike Bradley, president of Invensys’ Wonderware and ArchestrA business units. “InTouch applications can be easily accessed with the new Wonderware Industrial Tablets and Touch Panel Computers, retaining our customers’ engineering and training investments. Customers can now extend the power of Wonderware software to places never thought possible before.”

The full functionality of InTouch software on Wonderware Industrial Tablets and Touch Panel Computers can be used to provide visualization and control in many automation scenarios previously serviced only by closed, proprietary, “dumb” terminals, Wonderware says. These hardware terminals can now be replaced with networked PC-based HMI applications that are fully connected to supervisory control and plant intelligence operations.

“Customers can now replace ‘dumb’ panels, which offer scarce features, functions and plant communications, with versatile, feature-rich Wonderware Touch Panel Computers to manage their manufacturing processes,” says Charlie Ross, Wonderware’s business development and systems VP. “In addition, Wonderware Industrial Tablets have been ruggedized for the extreme environments that exist throughout process industries. This allows customers to leverage the power of InTouch software everywhere they need it.”

Control Engineering Daily News DeskJim Montague, news editorjmontague@reedbusiness.com

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