A Powerful Tool for Managing Vital Operations
automationX is a fully open and feature-rich software package covering all aspects of automation in one software tool. Functions such as I/O setup, controller configuration, display building, trending and more are accessed within one environment.
Inside automationX the fast and responsive aXViewer is used by operators for controlling the facility. In-depth aXAlarm , aXTrend and aXJournals windows may also be used. From the aXViewer the aXEditor may be opened by technicians to modify or configure the system control programs running in the aXPLS (PLC+DCS). When changes are complete a simple click of save & install loads the revisions.
One well-designed software tool with all of the necesssary features means users work smarter and faster. Simplicity in design means faster system response and breeds reliability.
automationX is like putting together the best of the best DCS or PLC systems and then turbo-charging. The result is the extreme performance and reliability of automationX.
The Benefits of automationX:
World Wide Access and Support
With automationX all functions are available remotely over networks. Users with appropriate permission can login to the server and work from any location. A client station can view, monitor and support/configure automationX servers anywhere in the world without disrupting server operations.
One High Performance Software Tool
- 80% Reduction in System Configuration Time
- 50% Reduction in Maintenance Costs
- 50% Reduction in Operations-related Incidents
- 60% Improvment of Return on Investment (ROI)
- Improved Business Agility and Efficiency
- Open and Easy Access to Sharing of Vital Data
- Add Custom Solutions (Video, Voice, Barcode, Palm Devices, etc.)
- Custom OEM Solutions available
Fully Loaded with Features
- HMI / Process aXViewer
- Comprehensive, Customizable Alarm System -
- Trend and Historical Data Management System
- Real Time Database with Integrated Control (point.parameter access)
- Timesaving Object-based Configuration of Displays & Controls, aXEditor
- Hot Standby Server and Multiple Server Clusters
- S-88 Batch, Manufacturing and Production Management Options
- Distributed Compact PC-based aXControllers, aXDevices or aXPanels
- Video or Image Processing options and more!
Specifications*
- Scalable from 50 to 6000 I/O tags per server supporting a real time database of 250,000 variables per server.
- Multiple Client Access.
- Large Process Display, and Real Time Control Capacity**
- Large Trend Capacity**
- Fast Control Processing Scan Time 20mS to typically 200mS **
- Configurable Multilevel, Multi-Group Alarm System with Mini Window and Full-Screen Browser
- Configurable Journal System Logging Process, Operator and System Events
- Open for use with PC Products (e.g. Touchscreen, Trackball/Mouse, Multi- Monitor, Wireless etc.)
- Software Key using License Point System (e.g. 1 LP= 2 I/O). Pricing is based on License Points.
Discover More About automationX
automationX is a server based automation system for Windows XP/NT and Linux servicing a variety of Process and Machine Control and automation industries. A Soft PLC, Soft DCS and HMI all rolled into one, it enables you to customize, control and monitor your operation from a network of desktop PCs.
The CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing) Pyramid
Robust and reliable, automationX can encompass the entire process automation model. It is also an open system, able to “fill in the gaps” and streamline conventional DCS, communicating with virtually any existing network structure. Use the legend below to learn more about automationX.
Industrial Strength Servers
At the heart of automationX are powerful control servers that perform control functions traditionally reserved for PLC and DCS processors. They fit easily into existing network structures creating a processing powerhouse for industrial applications. Count on aX server computers to be safe (e.g. hot-swappable components, redundant power units) and fast (e.g. dual 1GHz processors, 2 GB RAM) able to run the largest process efficiently and reliably.
The Highest System Availability
automationX servers can be fully redundant (optional feature) using a hot-standby computer for critical applications. During normal operation, both the main and the stand-by server are available for HMI, but actual control is strictly up to the main server. If a problem is detected, the standby automatically takes control of the system.
Talk to Anything at the Field Level
With automationX you can combine various different components at the field level. This means fast, multi-I/O communications with a super small footprint plus significant cost-savings over conventional wiring. Field components are typically accessed via (E)ISA or PCI boards inside the control servers, an integrated Soft PLC enabling many different combinations. Typical cycle times (to perform all the control tasks and send data to and from the field devices) are from 20 to 100 milliseconds. A small sample of communication devices automationX interfaces to are: Siemens ET200 series I/O, Allen-Bradley Flex I/O, Wago, Opto22, Weidmueller WINblock I/O and Modicon Quantum series I/O.
Leverage Open System Technologies
AutomationX communicates with a variety of traditional communication and control equipment making it ideal for system modernization projects – i.e. one can take advantage of new technologies while maintaining current electrical installations. This also means the HMI throughout an entire plant can be made uniform at minimal cost. A consistent HMI shields the user from integrated technologies smoothing operations. aX’s client server architecture opens the door to remote accessibility and many other features. Some of the systems that automationX can communicate with are:
- Ethernet TCP, Modbus TCP
- OPC Client and Server, ODBC, DDE
- DeviceNet, Allen Bradley SLC500 & Flex I/O and PLC’s
- Profibus DP, DPV1 and FDL
- Honeywell, Bailey DCS
- RS232 interfaces – Siemens R3964, Phillips scales 1613 and 159x, No Protocol, Modbus, AB DF1
- Modbus, Modbus Plus, Master and Slave Support (e.g. Modicon, GE, Omni)
- Beckhoff
- Murr
- Siemens I/O series – Simatic S5, Simatic S7and ET200
- Vipa – SM100, SM200, AXDevice
- Wago – Profibus DP Digital Signals (750-323), Modbus/TCP (750-342), 750 I/O series
- Weidmüeller
Use Your Favorite Management Software…Anywhere
The automationX client software provides a window to the servers from any desktop PC on the network. This means you can run aX process displays, programs, diagnostics etc. in tandem any other software application (e.g. MS Office).
Also, automationX communicates with many third party applications (any SQL Database, Crystal Reports, etc.) either directly or through various communication technologies (e.g. DDE, ODBC, OPC – OLE for Process Control).
View Process Data From Any Server
The aX client software is not limited to viewing information from one automationX server. Nor must it receive all of the HMI associated with a specific server. Rather, it is an individual composition of portions of the HMI from different servers, over different networks. For example, a user is interested in the process graphics “G1″ and “G2″ from server “S1″, “G2″ from server “S2″, and “G1″ and “G3″ from server S3. This information is stored in a profile, which is linked to a specific login account. This profile is used by the client software to obtain only the process graphics needed. In this fashion, not only individual preferences, but also the needs of entire user groups (i.e. maintenance, instrumentation, lab, management) can be easily addressed.
Notes:
*For information purposes, please consult us for specifications pertaining to your actual application.
** Limited by server hardware configuration.
