Batch Control Software enables just-in-time production.
Press Release Summary:
Compliant with ISA-88 standard, Proficy® Batch Execution 5.5 allows process engineers to define generic recipes that are separate from plant floor equipment and can be reused across production facilities. Batch data can be archived, analyzed by Batch Analysis tool, and then used to update Proficy Batch recipes. With Batch Breakpoint feature, operators can set temporary pauses within running batches, and perform just-in-time maintenance, quality testing, and equipment change-out.
Original Press Release:
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms Announces Proficy® Batch Execution 5.5 For Increased Consistency, Improved Visibility and Optimized Operations
New software enables reduced production costs, increased efficiency and just-in-time production
Charlottesville, VA, September 23, 2009 GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, today announced the newest version of its batch control software, Proficy® Batch Execution 5.5. An ISA-88 standard compliant batch product, Proficy Batch is focused on reduced costs, efficiency, and just-in-time production by allowing process engineers to define truly generic recipes that are separate from the plant floor equipment. Such recipes can be reused all across the production facilities, and allow the users to reduce the effort to develop and maintain their recipe library. This separation makes it easy to add new products to a production line, improve the quality of products produced, and reduce the risk of operator error.
"In this economy, it is imperative for manufacturers to be flexible in their production to take advantage of market conditions," said Claire Cerrato, General Manager of GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms' Automation Software group. "Changing production often means reprogramming controllers. Proficy Batch 5.5 gives customers flexibility in what they produce and how they produce it."
Batch operators typically rely on proprietary controllers and custom software systems to operate their batch production lines. Proficy Batch can help these operators increase efficiency and profits by replacing custom batch operations with a robust off-the-shelf batch platform that results in increased flexibility, uptime, and reliability. The ISA-88 model and SFC (Sequential Function Chart) programming language makes writing new recipes a snap, therefore allowing an increase in product mix without expensive controller re-programming.
Proficy Batch also offers MES integration with Proficy Plant Applications' Batch Analysis module and GE Fanuc's breakthrough solution Proficy Process Systems, enabling a complete end-to-end batch solution. This open and layered approach to software allows customers to select components that match their needs or combine the products to achieve higher value and a total solution.
Proficy Batch allows for archival of batch data that can later be analyzed by the Batch Analysis tools. This information can then be used to update Proficy Batch recipes so that the highest quality product can consistently and easily be reproduced.
In addition, Batch 5.5 includes a Campaign Manager allowing operators to better manage process orders that typically require multiple batches to fulfill. The Campaign Manager and its supporting Campaign Wizard, permit the operator to define a single batch and scale it up to the size of a process order.
Proficy Batch 5.5 provides a new Batch Breakpoint feature permitting operators to set temporary pauses within running batches, and perform just-in-time maintenance, quality testing, and equipment change-out without modifying recipes.
Proficy Batch 5.5 also includes:
o Formulation support for recipe parameters
o Improvements to Batch Server
o Up to 15 Terminal Server Clients supported
o Improved Performance of Recipe Verification
o Enhanced DCOM Support
o The ability to run under Microsoft Windows® VISTA operating system as well as Microsoft Windows 2008
o Expanded terminal server support
o Improved Batch runtime support.
For more information: www.gefanuc.com/batch.
About GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a joint venture between General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) and FANUC LTD of Japan, is an experienced high-performance technology company and a global provider of hardware, software, services, and expertise in automation and embedded computing. We offer a unique foundation of agile, advanced and ultra-reliable technology that provides customers a sustainable advantage in the industries they serve, including energy, water, consumer packaged goods, government & defense, and telecommunications. GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms is a worldwide company headquartered in Charlottesville, VA and is part of GE Enterprise Solutions. For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com.
About GE Enterprise Solutions
GE Enterprise Solutions elevates customers' productivity and profitability with integrated solutions using sensors and non-destructive testing; security and life safety technologies; power system protection and control; and plant automation and embedded computing systems. Enterprise Solutions' high-tech, high-growth businesses include Sensing & Inspection Technologies, Security, Digital Energy, and GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms. The business has 17,000 problem-solving employees in more than 60 countries around the world.
Proficy is a registered trademark of GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Elli Holman
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, Public Relations Manager
Phone: +1 508 698 7456
Mobile: +1 508 298 8306
Email: elli.holman@ge.com
