Software monitors topology, availability and performance of industrial Ethernet networks.
The Siemens Industry Automation Division has developed new network management software that continuously monitors and visualises the topology, availability and performance of industrial Ethernet networks. The Sinema Server (Simatic Network Manager) software automatically recognises changes in the network and helps to identify and clear malfunctions quickly and easily. In this way downtime and maintenance costs can be reduced and the availability of the production process increased. In addition, Sinema Server documents the utilisation and availability of a network over any chosen period.
The system has been designed for the continuous monitoring of industrial Ethernet and Profinet networks by plant operators and maintenance and service personnel. At regular specified intervals, the software recognises any change to the network, including all components within the network from any manufacturer (autodiscovery) and displays the current topology and changes. An extended diagnosis is available for Scalance network components. The use of Sinema Server enables any network problems affecting production, as well as standstills or malfunctions within a plant, to be cleared promptly. The result: shorter downtimes and less damage to the manufactured goods or the production plant. Companies benefit from the savings and from a lower number of delivery problems and delays.
The second important function is the documentation of network activities in the form of comprehensive reports. These inform production management about the performance and capacities of the network and thereby create a basis for the control and planning of network infrastructure. If an external service provider has been commissioned to operate the network, the reports indicate whether the guaranteed availability has been delivered within the agreed timeframe. The length of period covered by the documentation can be selected as required.
The plug and play installation and commissioning is quick and self-explanatory and the software has been designed for easy operation. Several users can access the Sinema Server data simultaneously from any location using a web browser and the display can be personalised for each user. In addition, the content can be displayed on monitors in the production facility using HMI or scada systems. The software supports numerous protocols such as OPC, SNMP, LLDP, DCP and ‘ping’.
The system is suitable for companies in the production and processing industry as well as for users from the power generation sector. Licensing options are based on the number of supported devices.
For more information contact Keshin Govender, Siemens Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 652 2412, [email protected], www.siemens.co.za
| Tel: | +27 11 652 2000 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.siemens.co.za |
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