Digital process terminal and line attendant

Aegis Software is to unveil a unique touch-screen device to ensure a controlled process and provide a powerful and yet simplified interface to factory information systems. Visitors to the Aegis booth at APEX (San Diego CA USA, 28 Feb-1 Apl 2012) will see first-hand how inForce monitors and controls the process, informs operators, saves energy and workspace, and reduces the infrastructure cost and complexity of best-in-class factories.

inForce is a multi-function bridge connecting your Aegis software system to operators and equipment throughout the factory. It provides a turn-key touch screen operator interface, an intuitive user information center, a scanning and tracking terminal, and the means for an Aegis MOS system to physically control the process.

“inForce radically improves the simplicity, economics, and functionality of a factory information solution. Implementing a factory information system normally involves PC hardware costs, IT maintenance costs for those PCs, high energy consumption, and sizable workstation real estate. Our vision was to provide scanning on lines in an assured manner and to provide and interactive operator terminal without having to place PCs at every single process station”, commented Jason Spera, Aegis CEO. “inForce does this by providing a plug-and-play, auto-maintaining, compact and simple interface that provides many of the features where normally a PC would be required. As well, it functions as a bridge for the MOS system to physically reach into the process and control conveyors. ”

The inForce full-colour touchscreen display delivers operators useful alarm and production status information without the need for a PC. Wherever an interface to an Aegis MOS system is required, its compact console can be mounted using standardized VESA arms, under shelves, or even on a tabletop like a self-standing picture frame. The interface also supports audio to further enhance operator information. inForce enables your Aegis system to physically control conveyor flow, acquire barcode scans, and ensure accurate and complete WIP data transactions even on conveyorized lines. An optional light tower is available to extend the range of inForce’s visibility to operators where required.

Capabilities and Options
Operator Interface, Barcode Tracking & Conveyor Control
Ensure every unit is scanned accurately on a conveyorized line, stop the line automatically when Aegis alarm conditions occur, and inform operators about line status at each station. In this configuration, the inForce console is mounted where visible at the conveyor point of use, connected to your scanners and the Interface Module. The interface module is placed on the floor and electronically connected to your conveyors via SMEMA, the factory Ethernet, and power.

Conveyor WIP Monitoring Only
Track the counts of units moving through conveyorized lines for WIP quantity monitoring without specific barcode identifier capture. In this configuration, only the inForce Digital Line Attendant Module is integrated to power, the conveyor, and Ethernet. (Coming soon via automatic firmware update)


Workstation MES Interface
Most processes include workstations that require only unit scanning and ‘pass/fail’ entry at a given point. More advanced functions requiring a full PC user interface are not required at these stations. For such situations, inForce eliminates the need for a costly, bulky PC and provides the operator a simplified and compact interface at their workstation. (Coming soon via automatic firmware update)

Light Tower Option
Where broader visibility to the status of an inForce-controlled station is required, an optional light tower integrates directly to the inForce Line Attendant Module.

Unique Benefits
Interactive and Informative
With a full-color touchscreen display that responds even to gloved hands or a stylus, inForce does not simply control the process, it informs the operator as to status and the ‘why’ behind the control decisions enforces. An interactive, informative solution for your operators to keep lines running efficiently.
Vivid LED alarm lighting, audio prompts, and even optional light towers ensure operators are instantly made aware of problems.

Low Energy Consumption
inForce consumes a fraction of the electricity required to support a PC or even a thin client or all-in-one shop floor PC.

Simple, Automated, and Central IT Management
From a central server application, all inForce settings can be adjusted and immediately all endpoints update automatically. The simple act of placing new firmware on the server automatically updates each endpoint.

Visually Announces Your Lines are State of the Art
Every manufacturer takes pride in their lines. inForce’s elegant custom housing and its vivid and dynamic display announces to visitors or customers that your factory is at the pinnacle of information management and process control.

Easy Setup and Maintenance
With a full touch screen display, configuring the initial setup and ongoing IT maintenance is simplified.

Assured Barcode Acquisition
Since inForce is actually a mini Windows-based computer, it is capable of implementing continuous barcode scanning for a moving conveyor. As failsafe, if a barcode is not acquired, the system stops conveyor movement and informs the operator why.

Flexible Mounting Options
The inForce console design accommodates a vast array of mounting options to make installation easy. It’s articulating and locking rear bracket can swing out to act as an integrated desktop stand. If you wish to use any VESA arm or mount, such as used with all PC monitors and TVs, it is VESA compliant. Or, pass the provided ballistic strap through the bracket slots to fasten it to a surface. And of course, the provided mount holes enable direct-attachment when desired. It even mounts under-shelf.

CE Certified
CE certification ensures safety and reliability in factory environments that are often particularly hostile in terms of EM interference.

Future Proof & Expandable
inForce is more than a single-use device. It is a true miniaturized computer incorporating a compact Windows operating system. As a true computer, inForce may be a conveyor control and MES portal today, but can evolve to deliver richer and broader functionality in the future through updates.