MES Software is based on Service-Oriented Architecture.
Press Release Summary:
Delivering real-time information across discrete and process industries, FactoryTalk ProductionCentre assists manufacturers with operational improvement, business risk management, and quality assurance. Integrated production and performance suite promotes process visibility as well as backward and forward product traceability. Along with support for applications, from discrete to batch, platform offers HMI and industry-specific application integration capabilities.
Original Press Release:
Rockwell Automation Expands FactoryTalk Suite with Production Management and MES Software Based on Service-Oriented Architecture
FactoryTalk ProductionCentre delivers real-time information across discrete and process industries to assist with operational improvement, business risk management and quality assurance
BALTIMORE, Oct. 25, 2006 - Rockwell Automation has expanded the FactoryTalk integrated production and performance suite with the availability of FactoryTalk ProductionCentre. Built on the FactoryTalk service-oriented architecture (SOA), FactoryTalk ProductionCentre leverages the technology acquired from Datasweep in October 2005, to provide manufacturers with improved process visibility, backward and forward product traceability, and quality assurance across multiple industries.
In fall 2005, Rockwell Automation announced its strategy for development of the FactoryTalk suite of plant-wide information software, built on a common set of services - the FactoryTalk SOA. "When we acquired Datasweep late last year, we announced that we would be extending our manufacturing execution system (MES) offerings and integrating the Datasweep Advantage product into the FactoryTalk suite," said Kevin Roach, vice president of software, Rockwell Automation. "It's an important milestone in building an integrated suite that helps manufacturers in discrete and process industries link the plant floor with enterprise-wide information systems."
Incorporated into the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture, FactoryTalk ProductionCentre offers maximum scalability for small machine builders through multiplant enterprises in automotive, food and beverage, life sciences, home/health/beauty, electronics and other industries. Integrated with several elements of the FactoryTalk suite, including recently released FactoryTalk Integrator and FactoryTalk Portal, the platform provides support for a variety of applications, from discrete to batch.
FactoryTalk ProductionCentre provides manufacturers with improved connectivity to control systems (including the Rockwell Automation Logix Control Platform), fully integrated security capabilities through the FactoryTalk SOA, improved human machine interface integration, and seamless integration with industry-specific applications through vertical market extensions. Three key benefits provided through FactoryTalk ProductionCentre include:
Operational improvement, providing manufacturers visibility on the plant floor or the top floor, to monitor inventory levels, repairs, returns and work in progress;
Business risk management, allowing backward and forward traceability of any given serial number or materials purchased from a vendor, permitting manufacturers to monitor the entire history of materials used to produce a product; and
Quality assurance, enabling personnel to track a consistent output of sensible quality to help ensure that products are built with the right materials in the right processes.
"As companies continue to globalize their facilities, business risk management becomes essential to meet and manage regulations," said Roach. "Globalization has also increased the involvement of information technology on the plant floor, requiring a heightened sense of operational improvement. Customers are now able to monitor all of these elements with FactoryTalk ProductionCentre, enabling better business practices and lean manufacturing."
The FactoryTalk production and performance software suite delivers distinct business benefits across six production disciplines common to most manufacturing operations. The scalable software applications are designed for tight integration with the Rockwell Automation Logix Control Platform, as well as extensive connectivity to third-party and legacy systems.
Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK), is a leading global provider of automation, power, control, and information solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage in their businesses. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., U.S.A., the company employs about 21,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.
For more information on FactoryTalk ProductionCentre, please visit http://rockwellautomation.com/go/productioncentre.
Datasweep, FactoryTalk and Rockwell Automation are trademarks of Rockwell Automation Inc.
