Distributed Data Management Software is for FANUC CNC equipped machine tools.

Press Release Summary:



Used for distributed network data management of FANUC CNC-equipped machine tools, FOCAS Automation Solution Connect (FASConnect) communicates with FANUC CNCs going back to ~1994. Solution allows CNC for data management of all machines in factory from any computer on network for backup and part management programs. CNC data is presented in folder/file structure in Windows® Explorer, and scalability accommodates 2-22 simultaneous users, 10 to unlimited CNC connections, and multiple servers.



Original Press Release:



Fanuc Introduces FASconnect Software Solution for Network Distributed Data Management with Fanuc CNC Equipped Machine Tools



HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - FANUC Factory Automation (FANUC FA America) introduces FOCAS Automation Solution Connect (FASConnect) software solution for network distributed data management for FANUC CNC equipped machine tools. FASConnect is a simple distributed network solution to CNC data management that is easy to use, cost effective, FANUC CNC specific, scalable and has support for older FANUC CNCs. FANUC will be introducing and demonstrating FASConnect at imX, Sept 12-14, 2011 in Las Vegas, Booths #2722 & 2708.

FASConnect allows CNC data management of all the machines in the factory from any computer on the network. "Backup all your FANUC CNCs and manage your part programs from anywhere on the network without going down to the factory floor" states Paul Webster, Product Engineering Manager at FANUC FA America. Designed with ease of use in mind, once the service is configured no software is required except what is included in Windows®. Additionally, incremental licensing allows for everyone from the small shops to the largest automotive plant to use this software cost effectively. FASConnect is FANUC CNC specific, developed by FANUC for use with FANUC CNC equipped machine tools. "FASConnect was designed by FANUC for FANUC to support the data management requirements of the industry" states Webster. FASConnect was designed to address the needs of factories of any size as it is scalable from 2 to 22 simultaneous users, from 10 to unlimited CNC connections and multiple 'servers' are possible. HSSB support for older CNCs is also possible (dedicated PC needed in this case).

FASConnect is a software only solution that installs as a Windows® service on a central computer. This computer becomes the 'server' and once configured it allows access to all the FANUC CNC systems that are on the plant network. FANUC CNC systems going back to the late 1990s are capable of Ethernet communication to the plant network and older FANUC CNC systems can utilize FANUC HSSB fiber optic communication. FASConnect can communicate with all of these systems going back to ~1994. This allows for a single solution for almost 2 decades of FANUC CNC controls.

FASConnect is the Server side of a Client/Server type application. So, the main application is installed on a central PC and then accessed either locally on that central "server" PC or remotely from a "client" PC that can be located elsewhere on the same network. FASConnect uses the common File Transfer Protocol (FTP) for a high degree of compatibility. The connected CNCs can then be accessed as if they were folders on a computer both locally from the computer in which software was installed on and remotely from computers throughout the network. No client software is required as FASConnect uses the standard Windows® Explorer as the client. Up to 22 simultaneous users can connect using standard the Windows® Explorer built into the PC.

With FASConnect the CNC data is presented in a folder/file structure in Windows® Explorer. This is the same easy format that any PC users will recognize. The CNC data files can be dragged and dropped for backup, and the files themselves can be opened with any text editor and are easily readable.

Since FASConnect software installs as a service in Windows®, it can be run without a user login or desktop interaction that may allow a user to accidentally terminate the software. Built-in security allows for only backing up of the critical CNC data. Writing of part programs to the CNC is possible as long as the user has the correct credentials (username/password). This reduces the risk of CNC data being compromised but allows for remote part program management by the programmer, without going down to the machine. The FASConnect service will run on Windows XP®, Windows 7® or Windows Server® 2008. Clients can be any Windows® based computer.

FASConnect was designed to address the needs of factories of any size by using incremental licensing. Incremental licensing allows the purchase of only the number of connections and users that are needed at the time, and as the factory grows, additional connections or even new 'server' installations can be added at any time. A simple 2 user 10 CNC installation is extremely affordable and the installation can scale up from there. User licensing is for simultaneous connections and is offered from 2 to 22 simultaneous users. CNC connections are unlimited and offered in packs of 10.

CNC Systems get more complicated as time goes on, but the solutions to data management continue to use antiquated technology and manual processes. The current software solutions that do exist are typically complicated and expensive plant-wide solutions that do not adequately address the needs of CNC machines.

Traditionally end users have not actively backed up their CNC machines or used a manual method where someone went around from machine to machine backing them up by archaic RS232 communication to a PC on the shop floor or with a memory card. These methods are difficult, time consuming and failure prone. Program management has been the reverse, where someone needed to walk the program down to the CNC or an operator had to actively pull the program from the network while at the machine.

FASConnect solves these problems by allowing CNC data management of all the machines in the factory from a central location.

FANUC will be introducing and demonstrating FASConnect at imX, Sept 12-14, 2011 in Las Vegas, Booths #2722 & 2708.

Windows®, MS Windows®, Windows XP®, Windows 7®, Windows Server® 2008 and Windows® Explorer are registered trademarks of Microsoft.

About FANUC

FANUC Corporation, headquartered at the foot of Mt. Fuji, Japan, is the most innovative manufacturer of Factory Automation (FA), Robots and Robomachines in the world. Since its inception in 1956, FANUC has contributed to the automation of machine tools as a pioneer in the development of computer numerical control equipment. FANUC technology has contributed to a worldwide manufacturing revolution, which evolved from the automation of a single machine to the automation of entire production lines. FANUC is committed to developing efficient, reliable and innovative products.

About FANUC Factory Automation America (FANUC FA America)

FANUC FA America is the exclusive provider of industry leading FANUC CNC systems and solutions in the Americas, providing a one-stop shop for comprehensive CNC solutions including industry-leading control systems, a complete range of drives and motors and CO2 laser solutions. FANUC FA America also offers engineering support, genuine FANUC parts, repair and factory automation solutions and training programs to machine tool builders, dealers and users. FANUC CNC systems are known throughout the world for their high reliability, high precision, high speed and simple operation.

FANUC FA America headquarters is located in Hoffman Estates, IL and supports 37 offices and service centers throughout U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina.

For more information, contact FANUC FA America, 1800 Lakewood Boulevard., Hoffman Estates, IL 60192, phone: 888-FANUC-US (888-326-8287), e-mail: fanuc.marketing@fanucfa.com, website: www.fanucfa.com.

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