Johannesburg-based Futuristix Advanced Control Systems (better known as Futuristix) has for many years been the supplier of the renowned Wonderware automation software. Most industrial users in the country are familiar with the names of the applications that include InTouch, InTrack, InBatch, InControl and Industrial SQL amongst others. Despite other opportunities Futuristix has remained focussed on its core business, which is seen as the supply of cutting-edge automation software, together with dedicated support and training in the applications. This formula has proved to be a winning one and in the last financial year alone turnover grew by 46%, a significant figure in a period of almost stagnant industrial growth. That being said it must be remembered that the Wonderware suite brings with it all the things such as improved productivity and minimal downtime that allows companies to remain profitable in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
Since Futuristix was last featured as a company profile in SA I&C, the company has moved to expansive new premises (December 2000) in Bedfordview. Still conveniently located close to the N3/R24/N12 interchange the increased space has allowed the creation of two tailor-made training facilities. In addition to these, other facilities for trainees such as a modern cafeteria have been added. Training remains a very important part of the Futuristix business and some 100 courses were held last year with an average of ten participants per course. Just as popular are the well-known Futuristix breakfast sessions, with over 2000 people attending last year. The next Futuristix breakfast roadshow gets underway during late May and will cover all the exciting news addressed in this article.
The core of the Futuristix business is of course the Wonderware products (95% of turnover last year) but the local company is about to launch some exciting nonWonderware applications. This will allow it to address new areas of industrial automation where Wonderware is not active, but the complementary products will integrate seamlessly with the Wonderware suite. The two new software offerings are ProDef and MASS AutoSave, the licence to distribute the latter product having been obtained from the developer in the USA, MDT Software. Both products are recognised Wonderware Partner Products.
ProDef
ProDef, although new to South African industry, is a key Wonderware partner and works closely with the latter in terms of its software development. ProDef is in fact an abbreviation for Process Definition and the application offered provides a common development environment for the design, programming and documentation of control systems. According to Mike le Plastrier (MD of Futuristix) the software represents a significant leap forward in the generation of control systems applications.
In effect all the developer need do is to define the process and to set up the required sequential flow charts. All coding is done and verified by ProDef independent of any specific controller. This means that the same control code developed in ProDef can be used on any available platform. While this could of course be Wonderware InControl, it could just as easily be Siemens S7, Schneider Concept, Allen-Bradley, RS Logix or Mitsubishi. It is only after the ProDef code is finalised that the developer needs to specify the PLC code. Major business benefits include greatly reduced engineering and testing costs (eg integration testing for the controller and HMI is eliminated) while users can expect enhanced ROI.
Mike le Plastrier, who is personally known as a Guru in the automation control business, states that the performance of ProDef is unbelievable. He says that most customers refuse to believe that a software package can eliminate so much work normally done by process engineers and programmers. In the case of Futuristix ProDef allows the company to reach users on other platforms, although certain Wonderware modules are already operating in such environments.
MASS AutoSave
This software addresses another hole in the automation control market. For many years it has been common practice in the IT industry to back-up to a central server. This has not been the case in the automation control industry and if a PLC goes down the necessary back up might be on a months-old disk or CD. AutoSave is a total solution providing a full suite of tools to protect, save, restore, discover and track changes for industrial programmable devices. The backup server is obviously located in a secure location and full historical data tracking is possible.
In its simplest mode AutoSave can be scheduled to carry out a daily backup. More importantly it will compare the latest backup with that stored previously and will e-mail the responsible personnel with details of any changes that have taken place in the interim. This is essential information for larger users such as the mining industry, one of the biggest Wonderware users.
As with ProDef, AutoSave is seamless in terms of interfaces and once again versions are available for many common PLC systems, including Wonderware, Siemens, Rockwell etc. AutoSave is likely to find wide application in the automotive industry, as besides PLCs it will support virtually all brands and types of robots, HMIs and other intelligent devices. The Wonderware FactorySuite industrial automation solution is already the de facto technology of choice for the local automotive industry as the latter through the MIDP incentive has become a global player in terms of both right hand drive cars and automotive components such as catalytic converters.
Wonderware
While Futuristix seems to have its hands full with new product offerings, even more can be expected from Wonderware itself this year. What is coming is the biggest update to its product suite since the company's inception. Good news for users is that the upgrades for InTouch, Data Historian and other packages will be totally seamless and the new software will also be compatible with the latest Microsoft release.
Today and tomorrow
As for Futuristix it is now seeing the realisation of what it has been preaching for more than six years - wider implementation of MES systems. About five years ago there was a massive swing towards the concept of e-commerce but there was no link from the placing of an electronic order to physical production. Since then companies have realised that they need the back-end MES system and Futuristix now has the largest installed base in the country with almost all of the motor manufacturers for example, using the Wonderware solution. One of the latest installations was for Delta where InTrack now allows dealers to determine exactly where an ordered vehicle is.
While Futuristix has a large business in the automotive sector its largest customer is in fact the mining industry. As with all globally competitive industries mines must also now operate more effectively and here Wonderware has proved to provide them with a competitive advantage. Interestingly even those mines with competitive scada systems are introducing Wonderware's Industrial SQL Server Data Historian that allows them to ensure correct cooling water temperature, blasting efficiencies and so on. These mines are installing Industrial SQL Server, which allows them to monitor from between 10 to 100 000 I/O in realtime and log all the data. The software allows recall of historical data at any time from a desktop allowing for analysis and optimisation of mining processes.
Futuristix continues to develop and support its system integrator network and interacts directly with only its larger end-users such as Iscor and South African Breweries. Recent successes include installations at companies such as PG Bison, Impala Platinum, Rand Water, Mozal, Continental Tyre SA, Samancor, Afrox and Richards Bay Coal Terminal. The diversity of these industries indicates just how successful Wonderware and Futuristix have been in southern Africa. The growth of the local company is expected to accelerate following the introduction of its new applications that are expected to become major sellers.
Mike le Plastrier, Futuristix
011 723 9900
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