Software for Industrial Automation

An Industrial Revolution

automationX is an innovative software program thatcombines all automation functions into a smart andunified package. automationX empowers an enter-prise by effortlessly networking all functions associa-ted with automation systems into databases, qualityassurance and production control tools. In doing so,automationX strategically levers data from the coreoperation enabling corporate and e-business systemsto propel a firm to optimum profitability and efficiency.

The advantage of automationX is in how it intelligentlydeploys computer software to consolidate the traditio-nal approach of using dedicated and proprietary PLCor DCS hardware to perform automation tasks.

Typical applications: Process andmachine control, visualization, PLC, DCS,quality management, production logi-stics, industrial image processing, facilitymanagement, batch systems, SCADAapplications, integration of control andvisualization for machine exporters.

automationX is performance software, field proven inits abilities to replace or extend classical products suchas PLC, DCS, SCADA, visualization and even moresophisticated systems like image processing.

Whether it is a grassroots or modernization project,automationX offers a superior and adaptive solutionwhere new and existing devices are homogeneously uni-ted. automationX fulfills the promise of seamless de-livery of tools and data for users, reliably and every day.

Imagine an integrated automation system that has the features, power

and convenience to truly change the way you approach automation.

A revolutionary product that delivers a comprehensive automation

environment in a robust, performance and object oriented software system.

Fields of application: Automotive,manufacturing, chemicals, consumergoods, fibers & textiles, pharmaceuticals,power supply, forest products, buildingautomation, mining and metals, environ-mental technology, transportationengineering, packaging.

The Open Truth About Our System Architecture

"Open System” is a phrase used by many vendors todescribe their offering. But when time comes toimplement the system the truth becomes a lot lessopen. Born without biases or prejudice, no other auto-mation product in the world rivals automationX for itsfreedom of choice and flexibility. We designed automationX to guarantee openness inall directions through the optimal use of existing ITinfrastructure, the use of field devices of different ven-dors and effortless coupling of other systems.

System description:It’s the networking structure of an automationXsystem that allows these possibilities. At the heart ofan automationX system are its Control Servers. TheServers � perform the control functions, which aretraditionally handled by PLC and DCS processors. TheServers are typically workstation or server level PCswith Windows NT or Linux and require no specialadministration or maintenance. While automationX is proven highly robust and relia-ble, a fully redundant control server can be optionallyinstalled �. If a control problem is detected with themain server, the standby will automatically take overall functions. Out in the field or on the floor it’s all your choice -automationX allows a complete mix of componentsfrom different vendors. Recent field bus systems pro-vide fast, multi I/O communications with significantcost-savings over conventional wiring �.

automationX effortlessly mixes new protocols such asProfibus, Interbus, DeviceNet, and CANopen with tra-ditional hardware such as Siemens Simatic S5/7, AllenBradley PLCs, and more �A user works with automationX through the ClientBrowser �. Designed to be resource efficient, theautomationX Client Browser runs smoothly on any PCconnected via network or modem. Of course a clientcomputer doesn’t have to be dedicated to the taskand runs simultaneously with other applications. automationX users are managed through accountsthat define the complement of Control Servers acces-sed and the privileges available on each �. Accountprofiles define which displays and data a user can viewand the depth of changes allowed on the system. AnautomationX account follows the user and is notbound to the hardware of a certain computer.Establishing tight integration of any application suchas an e-business database or production and qualitymanagement system is done over a firm’s Intranet inthe simplest way �.

Mix And Match

� Hardware independence from field devices (mix & match)

� Support of different field bus systems

� Use of existing Information Technology (IT) infrastructure

through client/server technology

� Effortless linking to business systems

� Platform independent: Linux and NT

Rapid and Accurate Application Development by Object Orientation

Automation classes are re-

usable software "objects”

within automationX that

contain everything that’s

necessary to establish a

function, whether it be a

device operated by the

system, a communication

task, an interface, or what-

ever. All of this functionality

is neatly wrapped up into a

single graphical icon that

can be used as many times

as you like, even within

new more powerful classes.

automationX takes the concept of object orientation furt-her than any other software in its class. As a result, appli-cations are created rapidly and accurately. Object orienta-tion in automationX is such an important feature that onceyou’ve tried it, you’ll never use anything else again.

Although somewhat related, the implementation of objectorientation in automationX should not be confused withthe techniques applied in programming languages, suchas C++ or Java. automationX uses object orientation forapplication development or configuration of automationprojects. It is this technique that allows total applicationsto be constructed out of self-sufficient software modulesknown as the "automation classes”. The result – it allowsexperts to neatly bundle their knowledge, hide confusingdetails and provide easy-to-understand interfaces intomodules from which others can create their ownapplications.Automation classes (also referred to as objects) arepowerful software modules that integrate all functiona-lity associated devices operated with a modern auto-mation system. A single class or object includes fea-tures such as regulatory and logic control, processvisualization, automated alarm and interlock assistance,data historian and trending, automatic simulationmode for testing and training and much more. Someexamples are variable speed pumps, flow control valves,pulp screens, tanks with level, or filter stations. Applica-tions are easily constructed by combining automationclasses to create the final system. Application designersjust use class catalogues with the advantage of inheritedfunctionalities in the used objects.The object orientation feature automatically createsshorter and more intelligible programs. The result is amuch higher “transparency“.

For automation engineering this means a much moreunderstandable programming interface for processengineers, mechanical engineers, quality managers andproduction control engineers.Automation classes can be distributed over the Internet,too. As a result, the user can get special knowledge whichwould not be available in other systems because of thecomplexity and integration effort. With automationX youwill not deal with bits and bytes but easily build the solu-tion that you require.

� Automation Classes: Complete, comprehensive and reusable

software modules for application configuration

� Easy-to-use Classes Neatly Bundle the Knowledge of Experts

� Intuitive Programming for Technicians, Engineers, Quality and

Production Control Personnel.

With the automationX class builder every portion of an automation

engineering task can be done within a graphical environment.

Close Your Eyes and Tap Your Mouse Three Times

It’s so easy: Select an automation class from the class library and drag it

onto the process graphic. Assign a name and customize configuration para-

meters (e.g. tuning constants) for the new device. In essentially a single

step, the new object is ready for operation. Each new object automatically

inherits all functionality of the original and is ready to run.

You’ll be the wizard when time comes to do con-figuration work in automationX. Unlike othersystems you won’t be faced with a bevy of tasks andsoftware programs that take you on a development"milk run”. Since automationX requires the use ofonly one simple graphical editor for all configurati-on work, it’s a yellow brick road in comparison.

The intuitive and easy-to-handle editor tool is averitable genius. The automationX editor is used todevelop the regulatory and logic control program,creates process graphics and user interfaces, confi-gures databases, modifies or develops new automa-tion classes and more. Since configuration can easilybe combined, even the most complex applicationscan be developed quickly with automationX’ssingle, simple tool.

Applications developed with the editor executewithin automationX’s powerful Soft PLC. Fullycapable of processing regulatory, analog and digital(logic) control, the Soft PLC removes the require-ment for physical PLC’s or DCS controllers. The SoftPLC is fully compliant with the IEC 1131-3 standard.Function Block Diagrams (FBD) and Sequential FlowCharts (SFC) are supported with standard controllibraries containing all functionality and controlblocks associated with IEC 1131-3. In addition the-re is a full set of function blocks for communicati-ons, such as connecting to databases, included.

To create outstanding visualization, the graphic libra-ries within automationX contain a large number of"core” classes (animated pipes, different kinds of swit-ches, analog instruments, process equipment, com-munications, field devices etc.). The automationX edi-tor supports 3D displays with sophisticated animationeffects, the import of pictures and graphics, as well asthe integration of live video signal processing. Thecapabilities of automationX are vast but the deve-lopment route is direct and simple – the possi-bilities are limited only by one’s imagination.

� Intuitive application development

� Minimum configuration effort

� Process Transparency

The imbedding of a new device class (object) into a process configuration is

done quickly and precisely through the clearly defined interface and well

known mechanisms of Function Block Diagrams and Sequential Charts.

The configuration effort, when compared with conventional approaches

like a PLC, is reduced up to 80 percent and the transparency of all pro-

grams is much higher.

Virtually a Wrench for Every Nut

Because the integrated Soft PLC is synchronized with the

high-speed data collection of the automationX trend system,

trend windows can even be used as a logic analyzer.

The automationX editor allows the design of process graphics with full 3D and

animation effects.

� Graphic editor

� Process Visualization with Automated Alarm

and Interlock Assistance

� Data Historian and Trend System

� Automatic Simulation Mode for Testing and Training

� Database Coupling

A special compression algorithm permits almost any

trend configuration of curve numbers, scanning rate and

recording duration.

The automationX Database Wizard enables straight for-

ward communication with commercial databases. The

user simply "surfs” the network and the Wizard identifies

existing databases (e.g. Oracle,

SQL Server, Access), analyzes their

structure and shows them graphi-

cally. A few taps of the mouse

later has the automationX control

program writing quality data into

the database, automatically

adapting to new production para-

meters or fetching the latest pro-

duction orders.

The automationX basic class "table” can be merged on one hand in

process graphics and linked on the other hand with databases. As a

result an optimal interaction with commercial and logistic systems is

ensured.

User Friendly

For ease of use and identification, the graphical

representation of many of the automation classes

is true to the actual look of the physical devices,

right down to the functioning panel LED’s.

The automationX editor allows any combination between control, databases

and graphical elements. The control portion is programmed in accordance

with the IEC 1131-3 standards. The training effort for control engineers is

therefore minimal. The mechanism of IEC 1131-3 is also used to create auto-

mation classes and database couplings, and the range of control engineers is

extended into the realm of the IT world.

� Integrated Powerful Soft Control (Soft-PLC)

� Graphical Class and Application Design

� Transparency in all Application Programs

� Intuitive Configuration

The configuration is very intuitive

and easily understood.

Due to the object based architecture of automationX, the connection between the control program and

the process visualization is automatic. With a touch on the button, automationX searches the total control

program and provides an understandable logic diagram in a graphical form. With this feature users get

an illustration of the conditions behind a process, such as interlocking. This smart feature of automationX

requires no special programming, dramatically improving process transparency of the system.

Additional Modules For Special Needs

Perfect Batches Every TimeThe automationX batch system is a highly flexible module wherethe user can create any recipe based on product and tank lists .The system supports intuitive and easily understandable recipeadministration (e.g. modification and version check of recipes).During a batch execution, automationX checks the plausibility ofthe recipe and product parameters generating the controlactions necessary to perform the mix (routing, adjustment ofrecipe steps, mutual product interlocks, etc.). Once the recipe iscompleted, the batch system compiles consumption statisticsand quality assurance data.

Use SPC for QualityThe automationX SPC module is used for quality assurancepurposes on industrial manufacturing processes. The SPCmodule obtains data from the process, archives it in databasesand permits standardized analysis. The appropriate analytical graphs are available to the user simplyand seamlessly within the automationX system. The SPCmodule supports a variety of features such as ISO 9000 repor-ting, histograms, s-bar, scatter charts and more, for both visualand automated analysis. SPC data may also be used in thestandard control environment to close the loop and allowautomatic and sophisticated quality control strategies.

It’s All in the Image The image processing option for automationX is a speciallibrary of classes. Image processing is a powerful method forapplications on which conventional sensors are unusable.automationX provides image processing at a very reasonablecost, so the analysis of video pictures is an exciting newalternative for manufacturing. For example, typical areas ofapplication include object identification, quality tests, auto-mated data capture, analysis and quality assurance.

Purchase a Perfect Fit

The license cost of automationX is being calculated on thebasis of license points. License points are determined by thetype and quantity of I/O and automation classes in the appli-cation. In this manner the user buys only what is needed toget the job done. For system expansion, when the numberof license points are exceeded, the system creates an alertwithout impacting the application in any way. You canthen later upgrade the software key to support the additio-nal license points.

Server License:A Server License provides both, Runtime and DeveloperVersions which includes: the automationX editor to buildapplications and classes, DataAcquisition (I/O) Class Library,Powerful Soft Control (PLC), Com-munications Class Library, Equip-ment Class Library with Operation,Maintenance and Engineeringmodes, Process Visualization with Automa-ted Alarm and Interlock Assistance,Integrated HTML Documentation,Data Historian and Trend System;Prioritized Alarm Lists, Event Jour-nals, Logging, Automatic Simulati-on Mode for Testing and Training,Full Capability Remote Access.

Redundant Server:A second server license is optionally provided for automaticstandby.

User Work Stations (Clients)One client is included with a server license and additionalclients are optionally available.

Batch, Image and SPC modules are optional.

Cost Advantages by Custom

License Point Pricing

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EUROPE

automationX Software for Industrial Automation GmbH

Teslastrasse 8A-8074 Grambach/Austria

Tel: (+43) 316 / 4000 - 300Fax: (+43) 316 / 4000 - 39

e-mail sales@automationx.com

NORTH AMERICA

M&R AUTOMATION CANADA, INC.202 - 1050 West 14th Street

North Vancouver, B.C.V7P 3P3

Tel: (604) 983-8728Fax: (604) 983-8563

e-mail office@mnrcan.com

http://www.automationx.com

automationX Brochure V4.5-E © 2000 automationX Software for Industrial Automation GmbH, all rights are reserved

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