Invensys/Wonderware reports that its introduction of the ArchestrA industrial framework and its Industrial Application Server (IAS) in January 2003 had a profound effect on the industrial automation industry. Today, ArchestrA-based systems are being installed at a rate than surpasses that of the InTouch HMI scada application of more than a decade earlier.
But ArchestrA addresses more than scada and is helping manufacturing enterprises ease into the complex world of MES (manufacturing execution systems) while providing links to business systems and safeguarding past investments by ensuring they all work in concert. Worldwide, system integrators (SIs) have been asked to join the ArchestrA certification programme and they have responded enthusiastically - South Africa is no exception.
Futuristix, a member of the EOH group of companies and principal SA distributor for the Wonderware range of industrial automation and MES solutions, has added a new tier to its SI programme that provides recognition to SIs who are actively developing skills and experience with the ArchestrA-based FactorySuite A2 range of solutions. The SIs that qualify will be given prominence and greater visibility in Futuristix's marketing and referral initiatives in SA as well as international recognition and promotion by Wonderware. Certified SIs were given recognition at Futuristix-Wonderware's 13th annual User Group Conference at Sun City 17-20 April - and this will continue at the numerous breakfast road show sessions to be held during the remainder of the year.
"End-users and purchasers of solutions need to be able to differentiate the profile of one SI from another in order to select the solution provider that can best address their needs," says Tania Stoltz, SI programme manager for Futuristix. "With the advent of ArchestrA allowing SIs to broaden their range of offerings, end-users will be able to choose the SI with the best domain and application expertise for their projects with the knowledge that these companies are fully accredited in the implementation, support and maintenance of the ArchestrA environment."
A series of rigorous exams and other criteria (including proof of existing successful ArchestrA/IAS installations) allows SIs to move from one tier of the certification process to the next. The first SIs through the second tier were Quad Automation and Ram-Tec Systems - both of whom have two engineers qualified in the latest releases of InTouch (HMI/scada) and IndustrialSQL (Real-Time Database and Historian). The next step is a final examination that will result in full FactorySuite A2 certification at tier 3 of the process.
"Being certified gives our clients the assurance that their systems are engineered by competent engineers and that the technology is correctly applied," says Jaco Pauw, MD of Quad Automation. "It also gives us access to priority technical support which enables us to solve problems quicker."
"We believe that the SI certification programme is an excellent idea," says Alberto Pontiggia, commercial director at Ram-Tec Systems. "It places all Wonderware SIs not only country-wide but internationally on the same playing field and in this way provides a standard yardstick by which end-users can evaluate the level of solution expertise they will be getting. By being able to compare apples with apples, potential clients will be able to judge for themselves if the proffered solutions meet their corporate rather than isolated objectives as well as the level of continued support they can expect."
About Quad Automation
Quad Automation is a control and automation systems integrator offering its clients a single-source solution for fully integrated and advanced computer-based control systems in many industrial sectors. Quad Automation has SI/VAR agreements with all the major PLC/scada vendors and is a non-vendor specific supplier of PLC, scada and MES systems. Quad Automation has been very successful in implementing a wide range of solutions in industries ranging from food and beverage to materials handling, mining and cement. Solutions have included the comprehensive integration of systems including realtime databases, web-based reporting, batching and energy management systems. Quad Automation's Head Office is situated in Midrand, Gauteng and has regional offices in Richards Bay and Cape Town.
About Ram-Tec Systems
Ram-Tec is a leading SA supplier of industrial automation, system integration and realtime information solutions that, in 2004, won the Wonderware Open award for Top SI as well as the award for Best Use of ArchestrA in MIS and MES for its ArchestrA implementation at SCAW Metals that unified three plants into a single information and control entity.
For more information contact Tania Stoltz, Futuristix, 011 723 9900, tania@futuristix.co.za, www.futuristix.co.za
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