Material Handling Software controls and monitors.

FKI Logistex North America Aug 12, 2002

Press Release Summary:

BOSS(TM) PC-based control solution provides machine level control, data acquisition, diagnostics, and monitoring tools to manage and measure productivity of material handling system. It performs high-speed sortation and induction control, and provides real-time system status, updates, and exception alarming. BOSS supports TCP/IP message exchanges, FTP file transfers, OPC, RS232/422 serial and PLC data highway type interfaces, and Virtual Private Networks.

Original Press Release:

FKI Logistex Boss Provides Advanced Connectivity and Controls for Managing and Measuring Material Handling Productivity

PC-based solution provides enhanced networking ability, remote access by VPN

(Cincinnati, OH: July 31, 2002) FKI Logistex (LSE: FKI.L) Automation Division (www.fkilogistex.com/automation), a market-leader in the design, manufacture, installation, and integration of innovative material handling solutions announces BOSS(TM), a complete, 100% PC-based control solution developed exclusively for material handling applications.

Combining machine control, data collection, system diagnostics, and Human Machine Interface (HMI) into a single integrated software package, BOSS allows users to manage and measure the productivity of the material handling system while providing state-of-the-art machine level control and data acquisition. It includes extensive diagnostics, data collection, and productivity monitoring tools in its basic configuration.

Greater Flexibility and Advanced Connectivity

As a PC-based application, BOSS offers more networking options and greater flexibility than standard Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Once installed on a central control PC, workstation PCs have the option of networking into the application, providing easy access from multiple locations within the user's material handling system. BOSS communicates with host computer systems without requiring additional dedicated computers or hardware to bridge between machine level controllers and WCS/WMS level host systems. BOSS supports TCP/IP message exchanges (sockets), FTP file transfers, and RS232/422 serial and PLC data highway type interfaces. In addition, BOSS is Open Process Control (OPC) compliant, allowing it to integrate easily with OPC-based applications.

BOSS also offers advanced remote connectivity via Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). BOSS integrates smoothly with the user's existing VPN, allowing access to key datastreams including throughput volumes, efficiency levels, and system diagnostics. Through VPN access, remote technical support and troubleshooting provides true cost-savings by reducing the need to have repair technicians on-site.

"BOSS network capabilities means operators have the freedom and flexibility they need to keep their systems running at peak performance levels," said Stephen Legg, director of marketing for FKI Logistex Automation Division. "Being able to monitor systems from any networked PC takes them out from behind their desks and back onto the plant floor where they belong."

Streamlined, Scalable Control

Unlike PLC-based systems that require multiple levels of control, BOSS eliminates unneeded layers of redundancy by employing a single, integrated software solution. The robust, scalable design enables a variety of control system products to be connected, including PLCs and hybrid systems. With its ability to add graphics, monitoring utilities, and historical trending, BOSS users can size the controls to their particular application while maintaining a common interface across all facilities and systems. The result is reduced system complexity, minimized connectivity issues, and improved flow of system management information.

A Total Control Solution

BOSS provides operators with a single, integrated solution that includes precise high-speed sortation and induction control as well as real-time system status and updates, exception alarming, and performance monitoring. In addition, extensive diagnostics, data collection and logging functions, and productivity-monitoring tools help keep systems running at optimum performance levels. With its large library of field-tested and proven software modules, BOSS is the total control solution for most material handling applications.

For sales information, contact Stephen Legg, director of marketing, FKI Logistex Automation Division, at (513) 874-0788 or by e-mail at automation@fkilogistex.com. You can also visit the FKI Logistex Automation Division website at http://www.fkilogistex.com/automation.

About FKI Logistex

FKI Logistex is a leading supplier of integrated material flow solutions for distribution, baggage handling, freight, parcel, and manufacturing applications. FKI Logistex supplies its customers with an integrated set of leading edge technologies in high-speed sortation, conveyor systems, carousels, palletizing, paperless pick products, AS/RS, controls, order processing software, warehouse control systems, and total materials handling automation.

FKI Logistex (www.fkilogistex.com) is a part of FKI plc (LSE: FKI.L) a UK-based international engineering group. FKI Logistex is comprised of the industry's most successful and recognized brands, including Alvey Systems, Cleco, Crisplant, Crisplant a/s, Automation Division (incorporating Buschman Operations, Mathews Operations, and CMP Corporation), Integration Division, IO Systems, Real Time Solutions, and White Systems.