Rockwell Automation Charts Path for Expanding Plant-Wide Information Software


Rockwell Software FactoryTalk suite to deliver real-time integration of information between manufacturing and business systems to optimize production and improve competitiveness

MILWAUKEE, Oct. 24, 2005 - Rockwell Automation today announced plans for expansion of its plant-wide information software that includes extending its manufacturing execution system (MES) offerings, deploying a service-oriented architecture (SOA), and bringing together the company's software product offerings into a single integrated suite - Rockwell Software FactoryTalk.

"With increased demands on manufacturers to improve quality, reduce costs, increase productivity and meet regulatory compliance, the integration of the factory floor with information systems is no longer a luxury - it's a strategic imperative," said Kevin Roach, vice president of Rockwell Software, Rockwell Automation. "The FactoryTalk suite of software from Rockwell Automation will bring together our current solutions for control, visualization, information management and MES. It also provides a foundation to develop and acquire additional highly scalable, standards-based applications that give customers insight into manufacturing operations and help them execute business strategies that optimize production."

FactoryTalk - An Integrated Suite of Plant-Wide Information Software
Central to the company's information software strategy is development of FactoryTalk, an integrated suite of highly scalable, modular and standards-based production performance software applications featuring tight integration with the Rockwell Automation Logix control platform, as well as extensive connectivity to third-party and legacy systems.

"Many of our customers are familiar with FactoryTalk as a valuable set of integrated services that facilitate data sharing among multiple automation software applications. We are building on this foundation by creating one common integrated suite that embraces both services and applications," Roach said.

FactoryTalk applications will run on the FactoryTalk SOA - a common set of software services that includes security, diagnostics, auditing, data model, licensing, real-time data, historical data, configuration and alarms and events. FactoryTalk builds on the success of existing Rockwell Software offerings and provides a platform for additional solutions. As the company releases new versions of its Rockwell Software, Propack Data and Arena offerings, those products also will be incorporated into the Rockwell Software FactoryTalk suite.

The FactoryTalk suite consists of multiple production disciplines corresponding with common manufacturing activities that require integration of plant-floor data with business systems. FactoryTalk production disciplines, whether used individually or in combination with each other, leverage the knowledge-based infrastructure inherent in the FactoryTalk SOA for more efficient data sharing, easier integration and faster startup. "Through the Logix control platform, Rockwell Automation demonstrated its ability to bring together multiple control disciplines under a common architecture," Roach said. "We intend to deliver that same value through the multiple production disciplines in the FactoryTalk plant-wide information software suite."
FactoryTalk production disciplines include:
o Performance and Visibility - FactoryTalk solutions for creation and display of key metrics and content in the context of operational effectiveness, including overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) analysis, human-machine interface (HMI), reporting and online analytical processing (OLAP). Products available today in this category include RSBizWare PlantMetrics and RSView.
o Production Management - FactoryTalk products in this category include solutions for order execution, tracking and interactive manufacturing process control. Current offerings include RSBizWare Scheduler, RSBizWare Batch and Propack Data PMX.
o Asset Management - FactoryTalk applications, such as RSMACC, create a foundation for optimizing maintenance and plant operations through risk mitigation procedures across discrete, drives and process applications. This includes comprehensive diagnostics, calibration and real-time monitoring, as well as auditing equipment and network health to improve overall resource availability.
o Quality and Compliance - Encompasses FactoryTalk products for automated quality control, assurance and analysis, SPC/SQC, specification management and regulatory reporting. Offerings available today include RSBizWare eProcedure and Propack Data PMX SkillTrack.
o Data Management - FactoryTalk software for automated and manual data management, including event, process and production, archive, third-party connectivity, plant models, master data (recipes and specifications), document storage, aggregation of multiple sites with synchronization, and recipe management. Current offerings in this category include RSBizWare, RSSql, RSLinx and RSBizWare Historian.
o Design and Configuration - Includes continued enhancements to software solutions, such as RSLogix 5000, used for the design and implementation of discrete, batch, process, motion and safety applications controlled by solutions leveraging the Logix control platform. This discipline also includes Arena simulation applications.

Automation and Information Enabled
The development of the FactoryTalk suite further enhances the value of the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture by complementing the company's industry-leading Logix control platform. The Logix control platform is recognized by the industry as the most versatile multidisciplined control system available.

Rockwell Automation will leverage the information-enabled attributes of Logix within the FactoryTalk suite of production management and performance software.

"The combination of the Logix control platform and FactoryTalk software suite delivers scope of supply, scalability and real-time information benefits through the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture," said Steve Eisenbrown, senior vice president, ACIG, Rockwell Automation. "This combination results in higher performing systems and faster time-to-market at lower total cost of ownership.

o Scope of Delivery - The Logix control platform offers capability to execute discrete, batch, process, motion and safety control from a common platform. The FactoryTalk suite allows for visualization, design, control and management of performance, production, quality and assets from within a single FactoryTalk SOA to reduce startup and training costs and facilitate more efficient exchange of information.
o Scalability -The Logix control platform is available through a wide range of controller offerings designed to match individual application needs. FactoryTalk software applications can be implemented as embedded, stand-alone, plant-wide or multisite solutions. This allows customers to implement precisely the right configuration for their unique needs with flexibility to easily expand.
o Real-time Information - The Logix control platform and FactoryTalk plant-wide information software suite feature premier integration, as well as
connectivity to legacy and third-party systems. This helps provide low-cost integration and a more efficient flow of real-time information.

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 20,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.

All Topics