Simulation Tool analyzes plant floor operations.
Press Release Summary:
Arena Factory Analyzer(TM) helps manufacturers determine short-term capacity load, predict future capacity requirements and optimize factory performance. It uses simulated model of factory to analyze and predict how plant will perform under various conditions like changes in order demand, order mix or staffing levels. Information provided includes descriptions of resources, orders, operation rules and process plans based on ISA S95 nomenclature.
Original Press Release:
Rockwell Automation Announces Simulation-Based Plant Capacity Management Tool
Rockwell Software Arena Factory Analyzer helps manufacturers determine short-term capacity load, predict future capacity requirements and optimize factory performance
MILWAUKEE, Feb. 21, 2002 - Rockwell Automation has announced a new simulation-based capacity management tool to help manufacturers actively manage capacity load and make informed decisions about plant floor operations. The tool - Rockwell Software Arena Factory Analyzer(TM) - uses a simulated model of the factory to analyze and predict how a plant will perform under various conditions like changes in order demand, order mix or staffing levels.
Arena Factory Analyzer supports FactoryTalk(TM), Rockwell Automation's manufacturing information integration strategy that provides the data sharing infrastructure needed to support manufacturing visibility across the enterprise and supply chain. FactoryTalk Data Model, one of the components of FactoryTalk, provides Arena Factory Analyzer users with a common terminology to describe manufacturing using the ISA S95 standard.
"The FactoryTalk Data Model acts as an information repository containing critical information required for facility design, operations and maintenance," said Vivek Bapat, commercial solution manager for process analysis and improvement, Rockwell Software. "The Arena Factory Analyzer information, which includes descriptions of workstations, resources, orders, operation rules and process plans based on ISA S95 nomenclature, can be accessed anywhere, anytime as needed throughout the manufacturing enterprise."
FactoryTalk shares the simulation model data with other software packages, including the Rockwell Software RSBizWare(TM) suite. RSBizWare can use the information for performance analysis and improvement, production scheduling and management, compliance auditing, and other strategic, operational and tactical functions designed to increase manufacturing responsiveness. For example, the Rockwell Automation Printed Circuit Board Assembly Plant in Twinsburg, Ohio is currently using RSBizWare Scheduler(TM) to create a finite capacity schedule that supports both the company's revenue goals and customer demands.
"By seamlessly sharing the same information that already exists in Scheduler with Arena Factory Analyzer through FactoryTalk, our facility will leverage the capability to perform strategic planning by using simulation technology," said Lion Moeliono, project manager of operations at the Twinsburg plant. "This includes capacity analysis and 'what-if scenario analysis aimed at improving resource allocation and management."
For companies who want to further leverage information through FactoryTalk, Rockwell Automation's Manufacturing Business Solutions (MBS) consulting group can assist in the development of an Arena Factory Analyzer model. The model, representing the company's operating environment, helps managers evaluate capacity, identify performance improvement initiatives and investigate the impact of alternative "what-if' scenarios, providing recommendations for the best solutions.
Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is a world-leading provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation solutions, including Allen-Bradley(R) controls and engineered services and Rockwell Software(R) factory management software, Dodgee mechanical power transmission products, and Reliance Electrice motors and drives. The company also is a leading provider of contact management technologies and applications that help companies more efficiently manage interaction with their own customers.
Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs approximately 23,000 people at more than 450 locations serving customers in more than 80 countries. Rockwell Software is the leading brand of manufacturing systems software, providing applications for factory automation, data acquisition and integration, manufacturing operations performance improvement and analysis, and shop floor scheduling. For more specific information about Rockwell Automation and its Rockwell Software products and services, go to www.software.rockwell.com. To order products at our online store, visit rockwellautomation.com/rsstore.
