Electricity + Control April 2018

round up

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION + SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

New software simplifies network operations and maintenance Plant-floor personnel have the difficult task of monitoring and main- taining a growing number of IoT devices on their networks. Rather than using complex or unfamiliar IT tools to do this, they can use the new FactoryTalk Network Manager software from Rockwell Automation . It allows them to monitor the health of their Al- len-Bradley Stratix managed switches, troubleshoot switch issues and quickly configure new managed switches all from one easy-to- use software interface. information, so users can organise devices into specific areas or ana- lyse them individually.

The software also uses user-created configuration templates to get new switches up and running faster and more efficiently. These templates can be shared across an organisation, or with OEMs and system integrators to further ease network deployments, commis- sions and maintenance efforts. The FactoryTalk Network Manager software provides role-based access control with auditing capabilities to help track user-specific activities and changes. The software supports multiple protocols, including Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Com- mon Industrial Protocol (CIP), Modbus, BACnet and PROFINET. Access to the web-based platform is available via a personal com- puter in a control room or a mobile device on the plant floor. As part of the Integrated Architecture system from Rockwell Automation, the FactoryTalk Network Manager software provides seamless integration with the Stratix family of industrial network switches. Enquiries: Christo Buys.Tel: +27 (0) 11 654 9700 or email cbuys@ra.rockwell.com

“Many plant-floor personnel struggle to piece together informa- tion about managed switches and devices from different sources,” said Lorenzo Majewski, product manager, Rockwell Automation. “With the FactoryTalk Network Manager software, they can ac- cess this information in one collective spot. In addition, real-time alarms and events from network switches can help them conduct faster, more precise troubleshooting.” With potentially hundreds if not thousands of devices in a large facility, users can get overwhelmed by the amount of information they need to manage. The FactoryTalk Network Manager software automatically discovers assets, their associated IP addresses, and creates a topology of these connected devices. The software’s in- tuitive interface offers grouping of equipment along with dashboard

Compact speed sensors with IO-Link

Industrial Automation solutions improve SA’s global competitiveness Digitalisation and automation are driving South Africa towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where smart technology improves efficiency, upskills workers and cre- ates new jobs. At the forefront of South Africa’s industrial revolution is automation specialist PCMP . The Pretoria-based company has a team of 15 experts that con- duct a detailed analysis of their clients’ manufacturing processes, before providing customised state-of-the-art solutions for all areas of production. PCMP’s core ob- jective is to provide a full turnkey industrial automation service under one roof. “Our engineers have the skills and expertise to integrate automation hardware and software from a variety of manufacturers. The end result is a highly-efficient and integrated system designed to the exact specification of any application,” says PCMP director Matthew Cramb. PCMP engineers are industry-leading specialists in the world’s top automa- tion brands, including Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider, OPCSystems.NET, Invensys WonderWare and ifm. “Our industrial automation service offering includes engi- neering consulting, project management and design that guarantees measurable results and a positive impact on any business,” adds Cramb. PCMP also special- ises in the manufacture of electrical components such as motor control centres (MCC), field panels and remote input/output (RIO) panels to exact client stand- ards and specifications. PCMP electrical installation technicians also offer on-site installations and field commissioning. As part of its value-added service offering, PCMP has invested in developing comprehensive service level agreements to ensure that the company fully under- stands every client’s unique operating environment, and that it delivers flexible service solutions that provide ongoing business value. “An increasing number of manufacturing businesses in South Africa are moving towards integrated automa- tion solutions as the country continues its progression to Industry 4.0, and PCMP is helping themmake the transition a seamless and profitable one,” Cramb concludes. Enquiries: Matthew Cramb.Tel. +27 (0) 12 665 0802 or email info@pcmp.co.za

The evaluation electronics are integrated in the sensor housing.This allows for low-cost and easy monitoring of rotating as well as linear move- ments regarding overspeed and underspeed. The limit of the speed at which the output switches is set via IO-Link. Especially in the field of con- veying technology the compact speed sensors can be used for various applications, for exam- ple for monitoring belt conveyors or bucket ele- vators. Here they are typically used to monitor underspeed, blockage or standstill. The different designs and the large speed range allow for an integration into almost any application. Enquiries:Tel: +27 (0) 12 450 0400 or email info.za@ifm.com

8 Electricity + Control

APRIL 2018