News.
(Dublin, June 2009)
Kepware iSNMP Drivers support Automation IT
The modern controls engineer is increasingly tasked with the design, implementation and management of communications networks for, collecting production data, programming equipment and archival control of source code. In the past specific factory automation protocols such as DeviceNet, Profibus, Sysmac NET, etc would have been the only options. Now it is more common to deploy Ethernet over TCP/IP. Standard Ethernet network components can be used. However controls engineers often prefer to use robustised Ethernet network components for greater noise immunity, security and redundancy. In general these components are more convenient to use as they are designed to be installed in standard electrical control panels, mounted on DIN Rail and powered from 24Vdc PSU’s. This new area of required expertise can broadly be termed ‘Automation IT’.
Best practice is to run completely separate Office and Factory Networks. The Factory Network generally requires a higher level of security and uptime then the Office Network. For example it is essential that validated processes can not be inadvertently affected by any problem in the Office Network. In addition, whereas it might be standard practice to carryout maintenance activities on an Office Network overnight or on a weekend, the Factory can not tolerate any downtime at these times unless planned and scheduled. Finally, high volumes of data being moved around the Office Network – for example during a backup – cannot be allowed to interfere with the smooth running of the Factory. When it is not practical to run completely separate networks, a VLAN, offers a reasonable level of isolation to your Factory Network. Several VLANs or Virtual Local Area Networks, can run ‘virtually’ independently on the same network infrastructure. Each VLAN has it’s own IP Address range, and traffic between the VLANs can only take place via some gateway such as a Router. Obviously you must be careful to control the gateway rules to protect the Factory Network from unwanted intrusion from the Office Network (and vice versa).
To manage a Factory Network effectively it is essential to have good data. Luckily Kepware Technologies have released a suite of tools to do just that. The Kepware iSNMP driver suite offers a range of tools to monitor the health of an Ethernet network. As with all other Kepware Drivers the data can be interfaced to any OPC Client such as a SCADA Package. Thus you can integrate network mimics which show the health of your Factory Network in real-time. This information can also be used to flag hidden problems such as excessive volumes of data in certain areas of your network causing delays or data loss.
Kepware’s iSNMP driver provides sophisticated tools to monitor network traffic volumes at various points in your network. You have the ability to create alarms if these volumes exceed permissible levels. It is also possible to deploy simple PING checkers to monitor the status of PLC’s, PC’s and various other devices on your Network.
For a free consultation on how to deploy Kepware’s iSNMP Technology in your plant contact paul.mitchell@dtlsystems.ie or call 01 4924560
(Dublin, May 2008)
Provideam Launches new Web Site
In line with the increased market profile of Provideam Manufacturing Solutions, the Provideam Web Site (http://www.provideam.com)has been completely upgraded. The new site offers all the features you would expect, including;
- Software Downloads
- eStore
- On-line Support
(Dublin, April 2008)
Market for OPC Servers Expands Rapidly
The market for OPC Servers, and specifically Kepware, is expanding rapidly in Ireland. Already we are noticing that the sales volume is 100% up on this time last year. This increase in use of OPC reflects the increasing sophistication of the Irish Controls Engineer. Using OPC offers the Engineer many significant advantages including;
- Single Interface to Wide Range of PLC’s
- Multiple Client Applications to same Data (ie HMI and ERP connected to same OPC Server)
- Easy to Configure and Test Connections
- Robust, Reliable Technology
(Dublin, May 2006)
Provideam v3 Event Monitoring Module in Beta Test
Testing is now nearing completion on version 3 of the Provideam Event Monitoring Module and it will go on customer test by the 15th May.
(Dublin, April 2006)
Provideam CIP Logging at Diageo
The Provideam Event Monitoring Module has now been deployed at drinks giant Diageo to log CIP (Clean In Process) events thus substantially enhancing traceability of this key quality task.
All CIP events are logged to the Provideam Database. Reports are emailed to the relevant production, quality and engineering staff on a weekly basis. The system is being used to ensure that CIP routines operate correctly, provide traceability, and also help to direct optimisation of the CIP routines.
(Dublin, March 2006)
Provideam v3 Event Monitoring Module due for release in May 06
A major upgrade is currently in train for the Provideam Manufacturing Productivity Suite. The underlying technology is being upgraded to the latest Microsoft dotNet platform which will ensure compatibility with Microsoft Operating System Technology well into the future.
Improvements are also being made to the existing functionality with far greater analysis and drill down of information, additional report formats and further improvements to user security. Provideam will be released in English, Spanish, French and German with other languages available on request.
Additional database refinements and features will enable Provideam to become even more user friendly to both operate and configure. Modularisation will become ever more streamlined and seamless. The look and feel of Provideam will change to make it more user-friendly and easier to navigate.
The Provideam Event Monitoring Module is currently in test and will be released for customer trials during May. All other modules will be released on a phased basis before the end of the year.
(Dublin, January 2006)
Provideam Installed Base Continues to Expand
DTL Systems ends the year on a high note. As well as adding new names to the expanding customer base, several existing customers upgraded their Provideam installation to an unlimited site licence.
During the year customers benefited from the role out of new functions and features designed to enhance the Provideam user experience.
A new Preventative Maintenance Service has been introduced – On request, DTL now health-check customer sites weekly over VPN. Thus potential issues can be identified and resolved, often, even before the customer is aware a problem existed!
We now also offer a 24/7 support contracts. Contact Paul Mitchell for details.
Pre 2006
(Dublin, May 2005)
Littelfuse expands Provideam installation
Following a highly successful plant-wide training program in March it was decided to implement the market leading OEE monitoring solution in the substrate manufacturing area. Using Provideam will enhance Littelfuse’s competitive advantage.
(Dublin, May 2005)
New Provideam Systems Integration Partner
DTL Systems are delighted to announce the appointment of CG Controls Ltd. as a Provideam Systems Integration Partner. CG Controls Ltd. is a leader in the implementation of state-of-the-art automation IT networks and we are particularly delighted to welcome them on-board.
(Dublin, May 2005)
Systems Integration Partners
DTL are now considering applications to become Systems Integration Partners from Europe and America. If you have the necessary expertise and experience, please do not hesitate to contact Richard Ryan, Business Development Manager at DTL.
(Dublin, April 2005)
Millipore unlimited site license
Millipore, Cork, has expanded its Provideam installation to an unlimited site license. Provideam is now used in the day to day management of all production areas and is applied to all incoming machinery. Millipore’s use of Provideam combined with its TPM management style has led to the Cork plant winning new global business on foot of the steady productivity increases which have been achieved.
(Dublin, April 2005)
AIBP Installs Provideam Carcass Monitor
AIBP, Europe’s largest beef processing company, have installed Provideam to support the control of carcass quality. Each carcass which passes along the production line is inspected and the results recorded automatically. Provideam Carcass Monitor enables AIBP to generate quality reports required for regulatory compliance and to generate statistics to help maintain product quality. The Provideam Carcass Monitoring Application will greatly assist in compliance with regulatory requirements.
(Dublin, December 2004)
Diageo Baileys factory acceptance test successful
Diageo Baileys Global Supply has just completed Factory Acceptance Testing on the Provideam Manufacturing Productivity Solution. Diageo have already seen the benefits of Provideam and it is intended to roll Provideam out on their other lines.
(Dublin, November 2004)
Provideam expands in Millipore
Millipore Cork is expanding their already considerable use of Provideam. Having seen the results it has achieved in the moulding area, the OP2 department want it to do the same for them. Millipore achieved payback on the first implementation in six months and now regards Provideam as a critical part of their process.
(Dublin, October 2004)
Provideam version 1.2 released
DTL Systems, the market leading developer of Manufacturing Productivity Solutions, have announced the release of Version 1.2 of Provideam.
Provideam is an extremely powerful, easy to use software tool which enables users to analyse Overall Equipment Effectivity (O.E.E.), Yield, and Machine Downtime etc.
Version 1.2 enhancements include security features associated with 21 CFR 11, support for several user configurable languages and Scheduled Report Delivery by email, XML or CSV.
According to Paul Mitchell, Managing Director of DTL, “The enhancements in Version 2 have been requested and warmly approved by our customer base which includes world class companies like IBM, Millipore, Littlefuse and Diageo. They have seen how very quickly Provideam can pay for itself – typically in 6 months or so”.
Provideam collects data automatically from almost all types of automated machine, moulding machine, CNC machine etc. It is a web enabled application with an enterprise-class database allowing for both real-time and historical data analysis through user configurable reports and views.
Leading Blue Chip multinationals use Provideam as the metric backbone to their implementation of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). Provideam helps companies to
- reduce losses,
- increase productivity and
- drive profits.
(Dublin, March 2004)
Diageo Baileys choose Provideam
Diageo Baileys Global Supply in Dublin have chosen Provideam Manufacturing Productivity Solutions to monitor their bottling line machines. Provideam will collect data from all the machines on the line, providing vital information on downtime occurrences, reasons, duration etc. to enable problems to be identified, monitored and put right.
Paul Mitchell, Managing Director of DTL Systems – developers of Provideam – said
“We are delighted that Diageo have opted for our philosophy of simpler is best. We beat off international competition with our hands-on experience in the area of downtime data collection. Diageo will now have real time visibility of machine and line efficiency and have on the spot yield information.”
|
|
Home
