FeeL The Difference

For Fronius TPS/i owners, servicing and maintenance costs are reduced considerably thanks to theinternet capability of the latest TPS/i welding platform. With FeeL, the customer's staff can access powersources with ease from their own workplace PC, smartphone or tablet via the Intranet. From an onlineenvironment, this allows the hardware and software configuration to be retrieved, data to be analysed,any necessary updates to be installed or solutions to operating faults to be provided. If required, theFronius Support team can be granted direct access to the device via a secure virtual private network(VPN) set up by the user as part of the extended FeeL Remote Support service package. Power sourceowners can receive troubleshooting and process optimisation support at any location as well as initiatingsoftware updates. Many previously unavoidable engineer callouts to the device can be completelyprevented with the FeeL remote service. On-site analyses in preparation for servicing are also notrequired for the TPS/i: after a diagnosis over the internet, the service engineer arrives fully prepared withthe appropriate spare part. This helps to save on expensive engineer hourly rates, particularly withremote or difficult to access welding systems, to avoid downtimes and to ensure maximum operationalreadiness of the power sources.

For Fronius TPS/i owners, servicing and maintenance costs are reduced considerably thanks to the internet capability of the latest TPS/i welding platform. With FeeL, the customer's staff can access power sources with ease from their own workplace PC, smartphone or tablet via the Intranet. From an online environment, this allows the hardware and software configuration to be retrieved, data to be analysed, any necessary updates to be installed or solutions to operating faults to be provided. If required, the Fronius Support team can be granted direct access to the device via a secure virtual private network (VPN) set up by the user as part of the extended FeeL Remote Support service package. Power source owners can receive troubleshooting and process optimisation support at any location as well as initiating software updates. Many previously unavoidable engineer callouts to the device can be completely prevented with the FeeL remote service. On-site analyses in preparation for servicing are also not required for the TPS/i: after a diagnosis over the internet, the service engineer arrives fully prepared with the appropriate spare part. This helps to save on expensive engineer hourly rates, particularly with remote or difficult to access welding systems, to avoid downtimes and to ensure maximum operational readiness of the power sources.

The FeeL service package includes the Fronius SmartView software for quickly establishing a connection to the power sources. By using the company network with an existing LAN connection, it grants internal staff remote access to the power sources at any time. As a result they can retrieve information concerning the hardware and software installed as well as backup and, if necessary, restore the system settings. As an alternative to Fronius SmartView, a conventional web browser can also be used. However, web browsers do not automatically detect the connected power sources and therefore require the IP address to be input manually.

If the welder or the customer's maintenance team require additional support with operating the power sources or resolving problems, they may call Fronius for assistance as part of the FeeL Remote Support service package. As soon as the user has agreed to the terms and conditions of use on the device and has established a secure connection to the Fronius expert, the power source is given a unique security code (similar to a number code for internet banking). When this code is first entered, the Fronius expert is granted access to the power source. They can view basic data and give advice over the phone regarding process optimisation and troubleshooting. If required, additional functions such as characteristics or new processes can be enabled and updates installed. The on-site user remains in full control of the device and may terminate the connection at any time. The data is encrypted and protected from manipulation during the entire session. Support staff activities are recorded and time-stamped - with the logs being kept on file - so that the actions taken can be repeated at a later date. 

With FeeL and FeeL Remote Support, Fronius marks the beginning of a new era in support for welders and power source users. Thanks to the remote service, power sources can be used more productively, the number of engineer visits can be dramatically reduced, and on-site maintenance can be planned and performed far more effectively. At the same time, the remote service opens up the possibility of subsequently adapting the TPS/i welding system functions to suit the welding task currently at hand, thus forging a new approach in the usage and cost structure of power sources.