Rockwell Automation Launches Industrys First Modular and Open Distributed Machine Monitoring and Protection System

Revolutionary integrated monitoring and protection system uses existing DeviceNet infrastructures for cost-effective plant floor connectivity

MILWAUKEE, August 20, 2002 -To help manufacturers improve uptime, complete automation leader Rockwell Automation has introduced the Entek XM Series, the industrys first modular and open distributed machine monitoring and protection system.

Consisting of a network of intelligent modules, the XM Series continuously monitors and protects critical plant floor machinery and equipment. The information gathered allows maintenance personnel to identify developing faults in the equipment and correct them before production is impacted or safety compromised.

Ideal for companies requiring machinery protection for high speed and critical-production assets, the XM Series will help companies optimize maintenance activities based on actual asset condition, instead of manufacturers recommended preventative
maintenance schedules. On average, predictive maintenance activities can reduce costs by 10 to 30 percent of maintenance repair and operations costs and increase return on net assets.

The XM Series uses a facilitys existing networking infrastructure and requires less wiring than traditional rack-based protection systems.

The distributed and real-time monitoring of the XM Series gives companies a much broader level of connectivity and provides access to more extensive machinery data," said Rick Schiltz, P.E., vice president, capabilities and engineering, Rockwell Automation. This results in more accurate decision-making with respect to optimized production control, increased plant asset availability and improved plant uptime."

The modular design of the XM Series makes it completely scalable, allowing users to add machinery into the system as needed. The discrete DIN-rail mounted XM modules can be added to existing control panels, or installed close to the machine -- requiring no special enclosures, power or cooling requirements. Deploying the system on control bus architecture further reduces commissioning time. Each XM module is hot swappable," allowing quick and easy module replacement without shutting down power.

The XM modules can communicate directly with programmable controllers or distributed control systems (DCS) through the control network architecture. In addition, the modules can interface with condition monitoring software, such as Entek Emonitor Odyssey/Enshare from Rockwell Automation. This allows all online and surveillance data to be stored in a common database and shared across Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems, as well as corporate and global information networks.

Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is a world-leading provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation solutions, including Allen-Bradley® controls and engineered services and Rockwell Software® factory management software, Dodge® mechanical power transmission products, and Reliance Electric® motors and drives. The company also is a leading provider of contact management technologies and applications that help companies more efficiently manage interaction with their own customers. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs approximately 23,000 people at more than 450 locations serving customers in more than 80 countries.