Rockwell Automation launches web-enabled HMI software

July 21, 2010 12:19 pm

Manufacturers now have greater flexibility and mobility to make real-time changes to plantfloor operations using the latest version of FactoryTalk ViewPoint software from Rockwell Automation. In addition to tag write capabilities, the latest version of the Company’s Web-enabled human-machine interface (HMI) software also features enhanced security capabilities that allow administrators to manage and control who can access system and machine parameters from outside the plant.  FactoryTalk ViewPoint 2.0 software extends visualisation and real-time decision-making capabilities to browser-based remote users, such as plant managers, supervisors and mobile workers. The software supports fully scalable and animated Web displays of existing FactoryTalk View HMI software and Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus applications. The latest release adds compatibility with Google Chrome 10 and Safari 5, in addition to the existing support for Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, 7 or 8, and Mozilla Firefox 3. Using FactoryTalk ViewPoint 2.0 software, for example, the operator of a line could see if equipment was over-dispensing and remotely change the parameters to reduce product waste. In the past, that could only happen on-site – on the plantfloor, but today operators can use a browser to instantly make the necessary adjustments whether they’re at another plant, in the control room or on the road. FactoryTalk ViewPoint software is also ideal for system integrators and OEMs that want to monitor customer installations, perform diagnostics or provide support for visualisation applications they have deployed. The software is also becoming vital for applications that require monitoring of remote, unattended sites, such as in the water/wastewater, oil and gas, and mining industries.