I/O Appliance targets discrete assembly support tasks.
Press Release Summary:
Suited for error proofing, line balancing, material call, and other production support tasks, StationPortal(TM) provides common Ethernet interface for typically disparate I/O such as pushbuttons, barcode scanners, and LEDs. These inputs tie directly into Proficy® HMI/SCADA -CIMPLICITY 8.0 software for discrete manufacturing, which comes with 100-tag data historian. Each StationPortal has 3 discrete inputs, 3 discrete outputs, 3 colored lamps, 1 pushbutton, 1 horn, and 1 serial port.
Original Press Release:
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms' StationPortal(TM) Provides New Architecture for Discrete Assembly Support Tasks
Breakthrough solution increases speed of deployment and decreases cost of ownership by optimizing yield, flexibility, line balancing, and ease of changeovers
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, May 26, 2009 GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, today announced the introduction of StationPortal(TM), a breakthrough solution for discrete assembly support tasks. StationPortal provides a completely new architecture for assembly support systems, greatly increasing the speed of deployment and optimization, while providing a significantly lower total cost of ownership. This product is a great fit for tasks such as error proofing, line balancing, material call, and other production support tasks.
StationPortal provides a common Ethernet interface for typically disparate I/O such as pushbuttons, bar-code scanners, LEDs, and torque guns. These inputs, and more importantly their information, tie directly into GE Fanuc's new Proficy® HMI/SCADA -CIMPLICITY 8.0 software package for discrete manufacturing which comes with a 100-tag data historian. This architecture provides the power and flexibility of a central, server-based configuration. StationPortal's installation is so simple it only requires standard wall power and an Ethernet connection.
"StationPortal is an alternative way of setting up the factory floor, because it gets rid of the traditional reliance on more expensive and complex, PLC-based assembly support systems," said Jason Messinger, GE Fanuc Product Manager for StationPortal. "By using a central, server-based configuration over Ethernet, manufacturers can eliminate PLCs and flatten the architecture for production support tasks. This simpler architecture gives the user increased flexibility and drastically reduces the time required for activities such as line balancing and system modifications."
Each StationPortal unit has three discrete inputs, three discrete outputs, three colored lamps, one pushbutton, one horn, and one serial port. Each of these data points is mapped directly into CIMPLICITY.
For more information on StationPortal, visit: www.gefanuc.com/stationportal.
Proficy is a registered trademark of GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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.
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.
For more information contact:
Elli Holman
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, Public Relations Manager
t: +1 508 698 7456
m: +1 508 298 8306
e: elli.holman@gefanuc.com
