SCADA System Scrutinises Plant Performance
Automation software innovators COPA-DATA have launched a new module for their zenOn SCADA system that analyses alarm data to identify increases in plant performance that can be made by reducing downtime. The Industrial Performance Analyser (IPA) module analyses alarm data statistically to determine weak points in a process.
Images are available for this press release.
(PRWEB) November 7, 2005 -- Automation software innovators COPA-DATA have launched a new module for their zenOn SCADA system that analyses alarm data to identify increases in plant performance that can be made by reducing downtime. The Industrial Performance Analyser (IPA) module analyses alarm data statistically to determine weak points in a process.
In a complex machine or a manufacturing process, a SCADA alarm system is vital to alert operators to a stoppage or error. Typical weak points could be a physical obstruction, a part failure or control system error.
Alarms are not just caused by the plant’s hardware and maintenance demands, but also by user error. The new module records alarm data and references it to a zenOn session so that an alarm can be traced back to a specific shift and operator. This transparency means that plant management can take action to correct not only machine but also human error.
Manufacturers have found that it is difficult and time consuming to manually analyze such alarms and determine the “missing link” that reduces productivity.
Now, with the powerful filtering functions of the IPA, the user can easily analyze shift productivity by choosing between gross and net production times. This makes it possible to exclude shift breaks from the calculations and compare the actual, ideal, and unplanned production downtimes.
Control elements can be added to a standard zenOn operator interface using the built-in zenOn editor. Indicators include a list of the top ten most frequent alarms, a common choice when commissioning a plant. Other possibilities for visualisation include pie charts and bar graph performance indicators.
Markus Helbok, Product Manager zenOn commented “Because IPA elements can be integrated into a zenOn picture, it has the same look and feel as any other zenOn operator interface and is easily set up. This reduces operator training and makes IPA a cost effective and practical solution for finding faults and improving productivity.”
IPA control elements can also be published in real time using the zenOn web server to a PC or other web access terminal without additional configuration or programming.
http://www.copadata.com
About COPA-DATA
COPA-DATA is a leading European innovator in HMI/SCADA systems. Specialising exclusively in automation software since the mid-80s has enabled the Salzburg-based company become technological trail blazers in the industrial marketplace.
Today, COPA-DATA has subsidiaries in Germany, Italy, France and the Middle East with distribution and integrator partners throughout the world. The company currently employs more than 100 staff and has impressive references including Festo, BMW and Audi. Over 45,000 zenOn systems are installed in automotive, machine building, energy and manufacturing plants worldwide.
About zenOn
The zenOn software suite was the first visualisation suite to run entirely on Windows, later taking advantage Windows XP platform’s capabilities. Currently a unique feature of zenOn, the same platform extends from Windows CE handhelds on the factory floor up Windows XP using an efficient event-driven distributed network.
The new generation 6 zenOn software features a powerful editor to reduce engineering time using automatic engineering wizards and through highly efficient reuse of pictures and control elements.
Notes to editor:
- High quality IPA screenshots available showing data analysis dialog box and pie chart, bar graph breakdowns of alarms.
- Longer technical feature possible for those who are interested.
- Why not visit COPA-DATA as SPS/IPC/Drives in Germany? Email to arrange.
COPA DATA PRs available below as MS WORD, pdf:
http://www.ballard.co.uk/press_releases/company_releases.aspx?company=copa-data
Press Contact:
Robin Wolstenholme, Ballard Communications Management (BCM)
Tel +44 (0)1306 882288
Reader contact:
Copa - Data GmbH
A-5020 Salzburg
Karolingerstrasse 7 B
Austria
Tel: +43 (0)662 431002-0
Fax: +43 (0)662 431002-23
Web: http://www.copadata.com
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