Appliance/Module links plant floor and backroom systems.
Press Release Summary:
Setup in 60 minutes or less, xCoupler enterprise transaction module with Microsoft SQL Server 2005 business system adapter enables seamless exchange and execution of data between SQL Server 2005-based business systems and plant floor devices. It handles all information over Ethernet connection, is immune to virus attacks, and helps configure specific plant floor devices with database for developing commands, reports, alerts, and other instructions.
Original Press Release:
xCoupler Module Now Communicates with Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Adds to Plant Floor to Business System Data Exchange Capability
Knoxville, TN, Microsoft SQL Server 2005 is the newest business system adapter included in xCoupler enterprise transaction modules to seamlessly exchange and execute data between SQL Server 2005-based business systems and plant floor devices such as robots, sensors, bar code scanners and controls. The xCoupler module with SQL Server 2005 can be setup in 60 minutes or less to configure specific plant floor devices with a database to develop commands, reports, alerts and other instructions. They provide a robust, simple and low cost way to support initiatives such as business intelligence, data warehousing, enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, supply chain management and others.
xCoupler modules are appliances that snap into a ControlLogix PAC (programmable automation controller) from Rockwell Automation and provide bi-directional data translation between plant floor devices and SQL Server 2005 databases connected to the module via Ethernet. They eliminate the security, virus and data integrity problems associated with complex PC-based multi-tier systems used to exchange plant floor data with business systems. The modules operating system is virtually immune to security problems and virus attacks and provides exceptional data accuracy and timeliness. Plant floor devices cannot affect the operation of the xCoupler module and the modules operation cannot affect plant floor devices.
Administration, security and transaction set up of these modules is accomplished with the xCoupler modules WorkBench configuration tool. Its drag and drop operation and intuitive display of device tags makes set up simple and easy with no special programming skills required. It also eliminates the need for enterprise drivers, control systems drivers and upgrade maintenance in the future. In addition to Microsoft SQL Server 2005, the WorkBench utility supports configuration of xCoupler modules with IBM WebSphere MQ reliable messaging systems, IBM DB2, AS/400, Oracle, Microsoft SQL and MySQL databases.
xCoupler modules are providing convergence between plant and IT operations with a simple to install and configure information appliance that provides unobtrusive operation on the plant floor while providing robust, configurable data for the business system. It is being used worldwide in industries such as heavy equipment, automotive, food/beverage, pharmaceutical, metal producing, tire/rubber and others.
About Online Development
Online Development is a "fast track" developer of factory automation hardware and software for products in the industrial market space. Since its founding in 1989, the company has led the industry in developing the technologies needed to enable various leading brands of PLCs/PACs to communicate with field devices or other controllers on the factory floor. The technologies developed by the company provide very simple, yet highly effective, connectivity between various proprietary factory automation devices including barcode scanners, modems, printers, robots, HMIs, sensors, RFIDs, and popular factory/warehouse network systems.
To empower customers around the globe with fast product support, streamline transactions, and reduce procurement and product support costs, Online Development uses the latest Internet-based CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and help desk tools. These tools enable customers to easily access order status and history, download documentation, troubleshoot problems and more 24/7.
Online Development is a Rockwell Automation Encompass Partner and an IBM Business Partner.
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Online Development is privately owned and has offices in Cleveland, Ohio, Cincinnati, Ohio and Barcelona, Spain. Online Development, Inc. Headquarters Address: 7209 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Main Telephone: 800-625-8678, website: www.oldi.com.
