Products designed to bring more and better information to both the plant floor operator and boardroom executive were among those in the spotlight at Automation Fair 2003. Now in its 12th year, the annual Rockwell Automation-sponsored gathering featured exhibitors, hands-on labs and technical sessions on a variety of automation topics, all held in collaboration with the company’s partner network.
Milwaukee, WI —Products designed to bring more and better information to both the plant floor operator and boardroom executive were among those in the spotlight at Automation Fair 2003. Now in its 12th year, the annual Rockwell Automation -sponsored gathering featured exhibitors, hands-on labs and technical sessions on a variety of automation topics, all held in collaboration with the company’s partner network.
Featured HMI and HMI-related products included:
-
MobileView machine terminal and guard terminal displays are now available with Rockwell Software RSView Machine Edition 3.1, allowing the terminals to connect directly to a controller via Ethernet/IP. The change eliminates the need for a Windows 2000 server and cuts implementation costs in half. Setup and maintenance are also simplified. MobileView line of portable and wireless HMIs lets users visualize and control processes while on the move and allows the sharing of data from shop floor to top floor.
-
VersaView CE industrial computers are now equipped with Microsoft Windows CE.Net operating system. Users can access a number of new viewers including Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Excel, Word, and MPEG files. They also can access data or complete applications on a separate server via a Web browser. VersaView CE brings together features from the PanelView Plus operator interface terminals and VersaView industrial computers. Solid-state hardware provides a solution for harsh environments, especially in areas with high temperature, shock, or vibration. Open platform promotes flexibility and supports multiple applications. VersaView CE is available in keypad, touchscreen and keypad/touchscreen versions. In addition, VersaView CE industrial computers and monitors now come with stainless steel bezels. The option has the same environmental ratings as the aluminum line of products, but these have minimal collection ridges to make them suitable for food and pharmaceutical applications.
-
PanelView Plus operator interface terminals are designed for applications with a need to monitor, control and display information graphically so that operators can understand the status of their application quickly. The terminals are programmed with RSView Studio Machine Edition, combining the best features of PanelView Standard and ”e” operator interface products and adding new functionality including trending, data logging, and animation. New modular design lets users select, modify, or upgrade components to meet changing application requirements. Memory, display, communication module, and front bezel can be installed with a screwdriver.
-
New options in the InView Message Display Family let manufacturers transmit a larger amount of information to a greater number of employees more efficiently. InView P9x large message display provides greater visibility from distances up to 450 ft away. Software synchronizes and streamlines information from multiple sources. Tri-color LED display provides a durable one- to four-line display with character heights from 9.6 to 1.5 in. Software provides functionality across multiple networks so that users can download message files to operators in various plant floor locations.
Automation Fair, held November 18-20, drew a near-record number of attendees; an estimated 14,000 people participated in the event, second only to the Nashville Automation Fair in 1998. In honor of the company’s 100th anniversary, the Fair came home this year to Milwaukee, WI, birthplace of the Allen-Bradley brand. A variety of displays and special events were scheduled throughout the Fair to celebrate the occasion. Next year’s Automation Fair will be held in Orlando, FL, October 27-28, 2004.
—Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jeanine Katzel, Senior Editor
[email protected]
