The new Internet technologies and services used in industry are opening up extraordinary new horizons in terms of remote control and remote maintenance - and wireless is just one way the technology is moving.
Based on TCP/IP and Web standards, Telemecanique's Transparent Ready products offer optimised, homogenous solutions, from the enterprise management level right through to the control system equipment. At the very heart of this, the FactoryCast Web Gateway offers yet smarter functions. It is open, for a start, allowing remote access to Modbus or Uni-Telway devices, as well as flexible, combining multiple functions and services. Whether the application uses a gateway or web portal, it is the user's choice.
Applications are extensive and include primary industry, automotive, electronics, any processing and manufacturing application, robotics and assembly, facility control, building automation, HVAC, and semiconductor equipment and materials - just to name a few.
Where an application requires a fully customisable web gateway, FactoryCast Gateway is a general-purpose utility for all power and control Modbus devices.
The FactoryCast transparent gateway enables the user to connect Modbus or Uni-Telway serial link equipment to a TCP/IP infrastructure - without modifying the infrastructure. The remote access server (RAS) means that the user can monitor and programme Modbus or Uni-Telway devices remotely via modem link (RTC, GSM or radio for example) or via intranet/Internet (VPN) - all in total security.
A truly custom maintenance server, FactoryCast gateway allows the control of equipment via a web browser from any thin client PC (Magelis Smart iPC) or other PC. Users can create and transfer their own Web pages and access the essential parameters such as operating times, temperatures and number of stops. Each machine now integrates its own maintenance.
E-mail notification means access to preventive maintenance and remote control functions: users can be notified by e-mail, directly on a laptop, PDA or cellphone, on any chosen process event or alarm.
Extended connectivity is through the gateway managing incoming and outgoing calls (PPP protocol) and if we look at this a step further, the configurable web portable affords a user-definable web interface for remote diagnostics, maintenance and control of applications. It integrates a safety function for access control (client IP address filtering, PAP authentication) and provides password protection.
Above all, FactoryCast Gateway is quick to set-up and easy-to-use through ready-to-use, set-up web pages. This makes for easy integration in any installation. Vertical and horizontal integration means that all Modbus or Uni-Telway equipment can now be accessed directly from the management information system applications, such as MES, ERP and Supervision.
Says Schneider Electric South Africa's automation product manager, Linda Eales: "by using the universal TCP/IP network as your infrastructure, not only can you save on communication and travel costs, but you also benefit from an optimum collaborative environment.
"Wherever you are, you can simplify your maintenance and manage it remotely - also enabling efficient multisite management. As mentioned, you keep informed via e-mail on the state of your process and, simply using an Internet browser, access directly to the key indicators of your installation.
"Whatever your application or environment, because FactoryCast Gateway combines all the network interfaces, a RAS/router function and a customisable web server in one single compact unit, this provides for a simple, cost-effective, all-in-one, long-term solution.
"You have the flexibility to enhance remote control services, such as on-line modifications, download of new parameter settings or programme variants.
"This range opens up new horizons in remote maintenance for machine builders and integrators wanting to improve their customer relations. Through having this enhanced expertise, they will now be able to develop their businesses by extending the services offered to their customers. Added to this is that FactoryCast Gateway web servers offer on-line services, by embedding the technical documentation, diagrams and maintenance manual at the heart of the machine".
For more information contact Linda Eales, Schneider Electric South Africa, +27 (0) 11 254 6400, [email protected]
| Tel: | +27 11 254 6400 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.se.com/za/en/ |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Schneider Electric South Africa |
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