Hand-Held Computer permits real-time data access.

Press Release Summary:




CIMPLICITY® PalmView Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) has CIMPLICITY collaborative production management software and wireless Ethernet card. It allows operators and managers to view real-time graphical automation and production data from anywhere within plant boundaries without additional screen configuration. Bi-directional data capabilities permit users to interact with production systems through Compaq iPAQ(TM) Pocket PC.



Original Press Release:



New CIMPLICITY® PalmView Permits Real-Time, Mobile Access to Automation, Production Data



Easy PDA access to key information drives productivity, quality

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - May 30, 2002 - GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc., has introduced the new CIMPLICITY® PalmView, a handheld Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) with CIMPLICITY collaborative production management software and a wireless Ethernet card. Using the latest Thin Client, wireless Ethernet technology, CIMPLICITY PalmView allows operators and managers to view real-time graphical automation and production data from anywhere in a plant without additional screen configuration. The bi-directional data capabilities of PalmView permit users to interact with their production systems through the popular Compaq iPAQ(tm) Pocket PC.

"Manufacturers want the ability to transmit their HMI screens to palmtop PCs via wireless Ethernet transmissions," said Craig Resnick, director of hybrid manufacturing research at Dedham, Mass.-based ARC Advisory Group. "This provides their mobile users with instant access to important HMI and Collaborative Production information such as process and production status as well as alarm information. Typical users benefiting from wireless Web access include operations, maintenance, delivery, quality, and data entry. The benefits for manufacturers include mobility, quick access to critical information, easy connection, lower administration and development costs, and widespread use of existing HMI screens, limiting the need for new screen creations."

With CIMPLICITY PalmView, users have the flexibility to move around work centers while maintaining quick access to critical systems and processes. Mobile users can also enter process information, as the bi-directional information flow facilitated by the Ethernet card permits easy system interaction with unprecedented flexibility.

"CIMPLICITY PalmView is ideally suited for managers, quality technicians and mobile maintenance personnel. Now, they have the power to view manufacturing data with the freedom to be located wherever they are most effective," said Kevin Roach, vice president of the global solutions business for GE Fanuc. "These users have real-time access to the information they need to drive improved productivity and product quality."

A CIMPLICITY PalmView license can be installed on an existing HMI server, operating on Windows® 2000 and Windows NT® systems, and supporting a system of greater than 75 I/O points. A combined-total of up to 50 CIMPLICITY PalmView, TabletView or WebView users can be supported from a single server.

CIMPLICITY software from GE Fanuc Automation monitors and controls processes ranging from a single machine to global collaborative production management (CPM). The software combines all the advantages of an easy-to-use, intuitive graphical interface with powerful functionality - such as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), supply chain execution, quality management, enterprise asset management, and supervisory control and data acquisition - to give original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), integrators and end users alike greater productivity, increased quality and lower costs. The new PalmView option presents CIMPLICITY CimView graphic screens, and is designed for viewing data and performing setpoints.

About GE Fanuc Automation
GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc., is a leading global supplier of automation solutions and is a joint venture between GE and FANUC, Ltd. of Japan. GE Fanuc products and services include CIMPLICITY® collaborative production management software, nano to high-end PLCs, a wide range of CNCs, motion control, operator interfaces, industrial computers, lasers, and a wide range of integration and customer support services. Headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., GE Fanuc is part of GE Industrial Systems. For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com < gefanuc.com>.

About GE Industrial Systems
GE Industrial Systems spans the globe as an industry leader in integrated industrial equipment, systems and services. The business brings to customers the latest technological products used to distribute, protect and control electrical power and equipment, and provides innovative product and service solutions for commercial, industrial, residential and utility applications. Headquartered in Plainville, Connecticut, USA, GE Industrial Systems is one of the major businesses of the General Electric Company.

For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com or contact:
GE Fanuc Information Center
Phone: (800) 648-2001
Fax: 434-978-5205
P.O. Box 8106
Charlottesville, VA 22906
e-mail: gefanuc@gefanuc.com

CIMPLICITY is a registered trademark of GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

GE Fanuc Automation
Alicia Bowers
Leader, Customer Marketing Communications
GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc.
913 Circle Dr., Baltimore, MD 21227
410-242-0300, Dialcomm *272-8005
Fax: 434-978-5205
E-mail: alicia.bowers@gefanuc.com
Website: www.gefanuc.com

All Topics