Web-enabled remote monitoring of factory floor data
October 2006
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Separate areas can be simultaneously monitored on up to four screens by connecting up to four video cameras and a PC to a Pro-face GP2000 graphic operator interface. While monitoring remote areas, the user can also operate equipment from the same GP2000.
Production data can be sent anywhere to a host PC via the GP2000, and then to the world via the Internet. The Pro-Server with Pro-Studio software allows a host PC to collect PLC data via a GP2000 to common applications such as Microsoft Excel or Access database, where one can easily process the data for production and quality control applications.
The CF Card used with the GP2000 requires no battery to retain stored data and it is easy to back up various types of data, including logging, filing and screen data. In addition, the CF Card speeds up screen data updates by eliminating the need for repeatedly downloading new data from the PC to the GP2000.
The GP2000 is compatible with two-dimensional code readers. These new code formats can handle from 84 to 1000 times more data than a conventional barcode. The sound interface feature alerts the operator of an alarm or status change via an audio message.
The Pro-Server's 'action' features support data communication over an Ethernet network without the need for time-consuming programming or complex settings. PLC production data can be regularly collected to a host PC for analysis and used in a wide range of applications. The high-speed Ethernet network quickly downloads setup and screen data via the PC to a GP2000. The data transfer rate is four to six times faster than with a serial cable, which speeds up GP2000 data maintenance and improves work efficiency. Multiple GP2000 Series units may be connected to an Ethernet network and can be easily set up via a single PC in sequence.
The Pro-face graphic operator interface allows the user to access a wide variety of vital production data from a remote location, create data monitoring screens without special programming and monitor production conditions anytime, anywhere.
In addition, the GP2000 Series is able to reduce maintenance costs for domestic and overseas manufacturing sites located in remote areas by simply using the Internet or intranet to monitor worldwide production in realtime. An Internet browser is the only tool required for remote monitoring.
Pro-face is represented locally by Shorrock Automation.
For more information contact Paul Bouwer, Shorrock Automation, +27 (0) 12 345 4449, sales@shorrock.co.za or visit www.shorrock.co.za
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