Новости


Automation Today

Feature story

Case studies

Technology watch

Latest News announced in Automation Today 2-2007





Collaboration aims to integrate manufacturing and IT

Rockwell Automation is working with Cisco, a global provider of networking solutions for the Internet. The aim of this collaboration is to help manufacturers achieve visibility, flexibility and collaboration, through optimised network integration across the factory floor and throughout the enterprise, using standard Ethernet technology.

We are collaborating on our common technology view; building reference architectures using standard networking technologies such as EtherNet/IP, and providing market education to enable people and process optimisation. We are also working together on reference architectures and detailed design guidelines for the use of common networking technologies across the production and enterprise network, addressing two long-standing industry challenges – greater efficiency and visibility. The validated, lab-tested architectures, part of Cisco’s “Ethernet to the Factory” solution, will enable the successful deployment of Ethernet-based production networks and secure integration with the rest of the enterprise.

The collaboration will help leverage common open technology with security and reliability, while meeting the varied requirements across functions for an optimised networking solution – a desire strongly expressed by the companies’ joint customers.
Integration of network standards requires both contemporary technology and a mutual understanding of the issues and challenges facing IT and manufacturing environments. According to customer feedback, establishing dialogue between the two departments is key to better understanding of potential risks for each and, ultimately, to successful network integration. Based on their respective knowledge of manufacturing and IT cultures, Rockwell Automation and Cisco will hold a series of educational seminars to help organisations implement change by establishing best practices between IT and manufacturing.


Strategic Alliance with Endress+Hauser

To address the growing demand for pre-integrated process solutions across a great many industries, we are partnering with Endress+Hauser. The partnership offers knowledge and experience in process integration, from sensors and process networks to asset management and complete process automation projects.

As a result of the partnership, we have established three key strategic cooperation initiatives in the partnership:
• Technology innovation: With preferred integration between Endress+Hauser process instruments and our Integrated Architecture, manufacturers are able to reduce risk, reduce integration costs and protect investment with assured interoperability.
• Integrated asset management: A seamless flow of information between key components of the manufacturing process, from the field device through to the enterprise business systems, improves decision making and overall equipment optimisation.
• Coordinated engineering services: Rockwell Automation and Endress+Hauser are able to provide a wide range of
pre-integrated, pre-tested, standards-based measurement, automation and information solutions to help manufacturers reduce integration costs, improve operational and maintenance efficiency, and optimise plant assets.

It does not stop here though; we will continue to strengthen our relationship through further integration of Endress+Hauser process instrumentation with Rockwell Automation's Integrated Architecture.

For more information:
www.rockwellautomation.com/solutions/process/integration.html

By addressing technologies, industries and management issues across the EMEA region in such a formalised way, we can be confident that we are delivering the right information for the right audience
The right event for you…

Our many events across the EMEA region have developed a massive following within the international industrial automation community. By highlighting the very best we have to offer in combination with the latest information and practices, these free events are setting the pace when it comes to giving industry audiences the information they need to know.

Beside big events like Automation University, we also recognise that vertical industries and niche topics also need support, as do the different levels of management overseeing these activities. With this in mind we have developed a formalised approach to our events so invitees can be sure that any event they are invited to is pertinent to their industry, the technology they use, or their level within the company they work for.

Our events can be broken down into to four distinct types:
• Automation University EMEA – our largest event, over two days, which highlights a full range of our products and solutions using technical workshops, seminars, a show floor and one-to-ones; attracting over 400 customers, in various locations in the EMEA region – often in the local language
• Automation University Special – a smaller but just as informative country-specific version of Automation University, focussing on specific topics using workshops and hands-on sessions
• Solution Seminars – events that focus on one specific solution or initiative such as batch processing, safety and compact machine solutions
• Executive Forums – these are management-level events that discuss business issues and industry specific needs – as well as discussing higher-level tools such as MES, the link from the factory floor to ERP system

By addressing technologies, industries and management issues across the EMEA region in such a formalised way, you can be confident that the right message is being delivered to the right person, at the right level, at the right time and in the right way.


Study endorses integration

For many years, process and discrete automation have been converging – with our Integrated Architecture providing a platform that integrates process automation with all other areas of the plant or manufacturing facility. The benefits of providing this integration have been discussed and validated in a recent independent study.

A white paper entitled “Rockwell Automation Process Industry Strategies”, the result of the study conducted in October 2006 by ARC Advisory Group, 3 Allied Drive, Dedham, MA, 02026, USA, is now available on our website (www.rockwellautomation.com/literature) by entering PROCES-ES002A-EN-E as a search term in the right-hand search bar (direct link to PDF).