Service to process industry completely changed.

Process Insights Inc., has enhanced its customer support with the launch of GO Remote Connected Service (GO).

Joe Schwab, Chief Commercial Officer, Process Insights said, “GO Remote Connected Service has completely changed the way we help customers around the globe, providing a faster, more efficient and productive service as well as being able to identify problems before they become major threats to the facility."

GO is an intelligent, safe, fast, and efficient service that minimizes unexpected downtime, and provides reliable support around the clock, globally. Customers will benefit from this state-of-the-art service by being able to access industry-specific technical support from a team of experts from any device. Customers can use GO whenever it is needed, ensuring a timely response. Information is shared in real-time, and accessed via smart devices and apps, reducing travel time and costs.

The new service works on multiple smart devices, including Realwear. It is easily configurable and customizable to individual specific requirements. Operating remotely allows technicians to access real-time monitoring, analysis, and status of systems.

Traditionally, service would have been performed by technicians via an onsite visit, and only after the fault or total failure occurred. With the GO, a robust, safe remote service solution, now service technicians can access real-time monitoring, analysis, and status, easily to track service history, and download service reports.

This preventative maintenance solution means that potential major malfunctions can be identified in advance, reducing the need for unexpected shutdowns in industrial facilities, also sparing personnel and travel expense.

Utilizing Process Insights’ GO software, customers can track service history, download reports, schedule maintenance visits, track orders, view contract details, and manage deliverables. 

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Scott Fleishner, General Manager for Process Insights – The Americas, stated “we have best-in-class experts on hand to help with emergency support, as well as general advice and maintenance. This all leads to seamless, proactive support where and when needed, and affords our customers immediate access to our experts. It’s all about reducing downtime.”

@ProcessInsights @codacomms #PAuto 

Data acquisition remotely.

Atlas has announced the launch of WXView II™, an innovative data acquisition system for remote connectivity to its next generation Weather-Ometers®.

System Features Include:
Web-based application allowing access from anywhere with a secure internet connection
Data collection and storage on local area network or cloud
Built-in encryption
View of current operating parameters
Monitoring of test progress and instrument status
Zoom in/out to assess phase transitions or complete test cycles
Access to alarms and maintenance tables
Downloading of archived test data
Unlimited connectivity to PCs and Weather-Ometers on network

WXView II is a web-based application that allows users to monitor the status of their instrument from anywhere in the world. It remotely collects test parameter, control system and other data outputs in real time from any Atlas Ci4400 instrument connected to the user’s local area network.

"WXView II adds a new dimension of connectivity to our instruments,” said Matt McGreer, Atlas Senior Product Manager. “As users continue to work remotely, having real-time, secure access to the information about their weathering tests is crucial. We expect this to be just the beginning of an entirely new way users interact with their instruments.”

WXView II provides a simple review and analysis of the instrument data in graphical format. Additionally, data files from archived tests can be viewed, downloaded and imported into other applications for more detailed analysis and report generation. Instrument status and information on alarms, maintenance and instrument configuration may also be displayed on the touchscreen user interface.

@Atlas_MTT @PresseBox #TandM #PAuto

Monitoring facility remotely.

As the need for social distancing becomes increasingly necessary during the COVID-19 outbreak, the benefits of being able to monitor and control building automation systems remotely becomes apparent. 

The RemoteVPN is a service offered by Contemporary Controls that allows systems integrators remote access to systems from the convenience of the systems integrator's home or office. A cloud-based VPN server hosted by Contemporary Controls provides the critical connection between two VPN clients-one installed on the systems integrator's PC and the other permanently installed on Contemporary Controls' VPN router located at the remote location. 

Using this approach, two secure VPN tunnels are created with no concern for intervening firewalls. RemoteVPN is based on OpenVPN®, a well supported open-source VPN technology. In addition to OpenVPN PC clients for Windows machines, OpenVPN clients are available for iOS and Android mobile devices for greater flexibility in accessing sites remotely. 

The company is also expanding their VPN solutions by introducing the Self-HostedVPN along with the current RemoteVPN service. With Self-HostedVPN, an EIGR-V gigabit IP router acts as the VPN server and can support their wired and cellular routers as VPN clients. This self-hosted solution lets the user set up and maintain their own remote access solution without any subscription fee and without any cloud-based VPN server.

The EIGR-V (and EIGR-VX with operating temperature −40°C to +75°C) router has an OpenVPN server that can be easily configured with the built-in webpage interface. The certificates and keys for VPN clients are also easily generated via the webpage without the user having to learn the complexities of setting up a VPN. Up to 15 IP routers and 15 PC/Tablets can be supported with this solution allowing access to 15 remote sites via cellular (EIGR-C2) or wired VPN router (EIGR-V, EIGR-VX). The webpage also Allows control access permissions for the PC/tablet/phone clients to the remote sites. OpenVPN clients are freely available for Windows, Linux, iOS and Android devices.

These VPN solutions provide secure remote access to any IP device by just using the VPN IP address for a device — without the need to setup NAT or port forwarding rules for individual devices. There is also no need for static or public IP addresses for VPN client devices, only internet access needs to be provided. For Self-HostedVPN, clients are responsible to provide a public IP address for only the EIGR-V router running as the OpenVPN server so that the VPN clients can access it. This can easily be put this behind an existing infrastructure router and use port forwarding from the infrastructure/internet router to the EIGR-V OpenVPN server. With RemoteVPN, this requirement of setting up the EIGR-V OpenVPN server with Static Public IP goes away. Both Self-HostedVPN and RemoteVPN solutions work for older IP devices where it is not possible to configure an IP gateway address on the device.

@ccontrolsgmbh #Pauto #Communications 

Making remote working work!

Strictly speaking this is not really automation as we would know it but it is perhaps something that can help some of us in our work - especially for those organisations unused to working remotely.

GForge is helping businesses adapt to the coronavirus threat by making it easier than ever before to use a collaboration platform to empower remote workers.

“There are a wide range of options to enable teams to remotely work together – you can email back and forth, you can do online Skype or Zoom meetings, you can use Slack or Microsoft Teams,” says Tony Bibbs, President of GForge. “GForge provides all the advantages of those programs and much more. The GForge platform is sophisticated, yet it is easy to learn and to use. You don’t have to be a technical genius. If you know how to use a computer, you can use GForge!”

For organizations new to using collaboration platforms or new to GForge, the company is offering GForge in both SaaS or on-premises formats for free for up to 12 months. GForge can be installed on-premise in one minute, (See video below), or you can get started instantly using our SaaS platform at next.gforge.com.

Both options provide the following:

• Messaging system to help facilitate online meetings
• Ways to plan, distribute and track teamwork
• Document sharing and knowledge management
• Team collaboration tools like integrated chat, notifications, and email support

To support the teams who are suddenly transitioning to remote work, GForge is also offering the following services free of charge:

• Identify the best hosting options for your organization.
• We will configure GForge to conform to the processes of your organization.
• One free online training session for users.
• One free online training session for administrators.
• Weekly reviews to ensure your teams are getting the most out of GForge

#PAuto #TandM #coróinvíreas #COVID19 #coronavirus @gforgegroup

Remote management rebranded.

The Netbiter Remote Management solution is now ofered by HMS Industrial Networks under the newly acquired brand name eWON®. Alongside eWON Cosy and Flexy, Netbiter will be one of the three main product lines within the eWON Remote Solutions offering.

Further to the rebranding, all the elements of Netbiter (gateways, Argos cloud service etc) get an updated eWON look but from a technical point of view, the Netbiter solution itself remains unchanged, providing users with an out-of-the-box solution for remote management of field equipment.

With Netbiter as part of eWON Remote Solutions, HMS is able to present a complete offering for remote access, data and management of industrial equipment:

• Remote Access with Cosy, an industrial VPN router providing a fast and easy way to open a remote tunnel to do remote commissioning and programming of PLCs.
• Remote Data with Flexy, a modular and flexible router which can be customized for remote access and data collection.
• Remote Management with Netbiter, an out-of-the-box solution for remote management of field equipment.

“The Netbiter Remote Management solution has been growing rapidly in the last few years with a sales increase of 57% in the first half of 2016. We see a steadily growing demand for remote solutions in the marketplace, which is also the reason why we acquired eWON earlier this year," says Staffan Dahlström, CEO of HMS Industrial Networks. "eWON is a very well-known brand within remote access and remote data, featuring Cosy and Flexy respectively, and with the addition of Netbiter Remote Management, we have a very strong and complete remote solutions offering.”

@ewonrouters #PAuto

Precision automated system removes field technicians from hazardous locations.

Remote Solutions is a leading provider of innovative solutions for remote racking of utility, industrial and commercial circuit breakers. The company has introduced the Rotary Hot Stick Operator (RHSO) for use by field technicians in remotely opening or closing electrical load break switches.

The RHSO is the first solution of its kind (along with linear LHSO version) to remove workers from hazardous locations when performing switch service. The system can be configured for both rotary and linear switch operators and will work with all switch types—Air, Oil, Vacuum and SF6. An optional multi-axis configuration allows for either vertical or horizontal orientation.

The RHSO is suitable for use with equipment like Load Break Oil Rotary (LBOR) switches, which provide making or breaking of specified currents. These switches are typically installed in manholes and underground or sidewalk vaults where they are subject to moisture, particulates, corrosive materials, and a wide range of temperatures.

Designed for standalone local operation, and powered by readily available AA alkaline batteries, the RHSO automates the process of opening and closing rotary vault switches with an insulating hot stick – eliminating the need for personnel to manually perform this procedure while straddling the vault opening. Workers in this environment are exposed to critical safety hazards, especially when dealing with older underground infrastructure and vintage equipment. The RHSO employs a rugged fiberglass tripod to center a rotary apparatus over the vault; a precision, motorized clamp assembly is then used to rotate the hot stick, which is attached to an eyelet to open or close the switch contacts. The system provides light-emitting diode (LED) indication of motor direction and status, and utilises fail-safe torque and travel limits.

"Electric underground distribution systems demand high performance in the form of greater reliability, reduced operational and maintenance costs, and improved safety," Remote Solutions President Bob Stevenson said. "We developed a practical, purpose-built system that utilizes the existing hot stick found on most electrical service trucks. It provides an automated solution enabling the technician to set a timer to start the switch operation and then move away to a safe location. An optional universal handheld controller can be used to change program parameters and provide remote control up to a minimum of 50 feet away, with optional cords for up to 150-foot total distance."

The compact and lightweight (under 3 pounds) RHSO and LHSO systems accept various diameters and shapes of hot sticks. They feature a weatherised design with non-conductive construction, and include a storage case. A rechargeable battery system is an optional accessory.

Remotely monitoreing and controlling EtherNet/IP-equipment

The Netbiter Remote Management solution from HMS Industrial Networks now allows automation devices using EtherNet/IP to be monitored and controlled via the web. By connecting a Netbiter EasyConnect 300-series gateway, users of EtherNet/IP-based equipment can do maintenance from any location.The Netbiter Remote Management solution has previously offered connectivity to Modbus devices, but as of November, HMS can also offer direct, onboard compatibility with EtherNet/IP. Via the LAN port on the Netbiter Gateway, users can connect via UCMM (UnConnected Message Manager) which is an acyclic messaging channel separate from the control loop messaging.

With Netbiter, users can:

• Configure EtherNet/IP devices remotely using their regular configuration software (RSLogix for example).    
• Log trends and monitor performance over time.    
• Get alarm or event notifications whenever critical thresholds are reached.

How it works

The user connects an EtherNet/IP-based automation device to a Netbiter gateway via the LAN port. The Netbiter gateway sends data via Ethernet or the cellular network to the cloud-based data center called Netbiter Argos. Users access Netbiter Argos using a regular web browser. They can also set up a secure tunnel to the remote machine or equipment which enables commissioning and debugging just as if they were on site.

Long-awaited feature

"We have long seen a need for EtherNet/IP connectivity in Netbiter," comments Product Line Manager, Henrik Arleving. "There is a vast amount of drives, HMIs, PLCs and other automation devices using EtherNet/IP as their communication protocol and these devices can now be easily connected to the Netbiter Remote Management system for monitoring and control. Especially the Remote Access function will be very useful for system integrators and machine builders as they can now get online access to do debugging and maintenance directly from any location."

Other included features of the new Netbiter release includes the ability to group and filter alarms as well as free access to map functionality showing the exact location of each Netbiter gateway.

The Netbiter EC300-series communication gateways send data from the customer´s device to Netbiter Argos.

RTU and HART configuration suite for remote oil & gas field applications!

OpenEnterprise™ Field Tools from Emerson, is the world’s first Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) and HART® configuration suite that enables local and remote configuration and real-time HART device monitoring in remote oil and gas applications such as wellhead automation, flow measurement, and tank overflow protection. The software suite streamlines servicing and maintenance of multiple RTU platforms and HART transmitters across remote sites, helping improve operations and field personnel safety.

“Field Tools provides a unique, integrated, safe solution to complex remote device configuration challenges,” said Stuart Miller, vice president of marketing for Emerson’s Remote Automation Solutions business. “Installation and field set-up time can now be streamlined by leveraging the single configuration tools suite across both RTUs and field devices. Our field architecture eliminates the need for HART multiplexers as well as the complexity of Modbus data mapping.”

The new single software toolkit enables the configuration of Emerson’s family of Remote Terminal Units, flow computers and presets including products under the ROC™, FloBoss™ and ControlWave® brands.

Additionally, OpenEnterprise Field Tools is a fully-functional HART communicator that supports configuration, troubleshooting and maintenance of all wired HART and WirelessHART® transmitters. Field Tools enables the seamless commissioning of HART devices by leveraging HART pass-through via Emerson RTUs and flow computers. HART pass-through enables tunnelling over complex SCADA infrastructures using native Emerson RTU communication protocols.

Remote device configuration and monitoring has never been easier. Whether connected locally onsite (via serial connection) or remotely across thousands of kilometres (over IP connection), all HART devices are within reach. Devices that require field personnel attention are highlighted based on HART parameters such as battery voltage, device status and device diagnostics.

Once a HART network has been commissioned, there is no longer the need for regular maintenance site visits because Field Tools supports live-mode monitoring of all HART devices connected to an Emerson RTU or flow computer.

Field Tools is universal software that supports HART devices released by the HART Foundation, Emerson and 3rd party manufacturers alike. Moreover, the list of Field Tools’ supported devices is extensible. Additional HART devices can be supported by adding their Device Descriptions (DDs).

Remote management offering from HMS!

HMS Industrial Networks has expanded the Netbiter Remote Management offering to include three different services catering for different user needs. The dedicated services enable both quick connection to a single remote machine, as well as advanced projects including multiple installations and users. HMS also presents a new Netbiter EasyConnect gateway (EC310) which communicates via Ethernet only.

Three different services
Netbiter is a cloud-based solution for remote management of equipment such as power generators, PLCs, sensors, tanks etc. Users connect a Netbiter gateway to their equipment and log in to the online data center Netbiter Argos (www.netbiter.net), where they can access their devices online. Netbiter now includes three different services:

• Remote Access – Free and included with a Netbiter gateway; Opens up a secure tunnel to a PLC or machine. This enables configuration, programming or debugging of almost any industrial device from any location. Users utilise their regular configuration software just as they would if they were on site.
• View and Control – Free and included with a Netbiter gateway; Allows users to manage a single installation remotely. Online dashboards, alarms and trend graphs provide full insight from any location.
• Manage and Analyse — Subscription-based service; For large-scale, multiple installations with several users. Users can customise the Netbiter Argos interface and integrate data into their own system with the Netbiter Argos API.

Realising the Internet of Things
“With this new service offering, we take another step in making it easier for our customers to access their field equipment online,” says Henrik Arleving, Product Line Manager at HMS Industrial Networks. “We can now offer a quick and easy solution for monitoring a single installation online as well as powerful multi-site management with multiple users for larger installations. Netbiter can now meet even more demands for putting field equipment online, realising the Internet of Things.”

New gateway
HMS also offers a new gateway, the Netbiter EC310, which sends data from the remote site via Ethernet only. This is a complement to the EC350 which communicates both via the mobile phone network (3G/GPRS) and via Ethernet.

Cellular 4G communication & monitoring system for remote locations!

B&B Electronics has provided Quatro Electronics with a high-reliability Cellular 4G communication and monitoring system for the oversight of equipment in remote locations.

Founded in 1996, Quatro Electronics have been trusted to protect, manage and monitor remote and vulnerable sites globally offering their customers total reassurance and confidence that their valuable assets are safe and providing a robust and cost effective alternative to manned guards.

The development of a new product, The Quatro SmartTower, a unique solution for deploying the Britains most powerful video verified alarm technology designed specifically for remote site protection, required B&B Electronics to provide a new communications solution to ensure the remote tower’s transmissions were always on, to signal remote alarm conditions, provide monitoring and notification services to the control centre and offer access to the latest high speed cellular infrastructures. The B&B communication system also enabled self-monitoring of The Quatro SmartTower itself as an asset that needed to be tracked.

Working alongside their British Channel Partner, Adey Electronics, B&B was involved from the initial network design in order to provide a reliable and robust Cellular 4G platform as the core of the Quatro SmartTower communication system. The key to the system is the recently launched LR77 B&B Conel cellular router which provides Dual SIM 4G capability ensuring “always on connectivity”. Utilising the built in Global Positioning System (GPS) in the LR77 Router allowed B&B Electronics to provide Quatro with both asset tracking and real-time date/time stamping of images generated by the remote cameras and sent to the control centre.

The Quatro SmartTower is a totally IP based communications system which uses IP cameras and wireless passive detectors. By providing bespoke user modules specifically designed and written to integrate with the LR77 B&B Electronics were able to provide a high level of bi-directional automation in the field, enabling the Quatro SmartTowers to perform specific actions (e.g. directing a camera to a specific location on site), power-management and to provide crucial alarm messages to the remote control centre.

As streaming live video and CCTV images is bandwidth dependant it was essential that Quatro would be able to take advantage of the latest 4G/LTE capabilities. Basing the system around the LR77 Router exceeded the required communications requirements in both functionality and its capability to operate in remote outdoor locations. Integrating R-See-Net management software provided by B&B Electronics they Quatro are also able to manage and monitor the communications, traffic and functionality of the devices from remote monitoring stations, invaluable in the growth of deployment of the towers both in Europe and the USA.

John Robertson General Manager of Quatro Electronics, comments, “Together, B&B Europe and Adey Electronics have provided us with a high level of technical support and flexible customer service for our remote security management services. They have provided market-leading equipment, helped with the software development, networking and communications to ensure the final solution exactly met our requirements.”

Battery-powered system for remote circuit breaker racking

Remote Solutions has introduced the Safe-T-Rack® (STR®) SR-U Battery-powered Remote Racking System. This lightweight and portable system helps ensure compliance with evolving arc flash mitigation regulations and bring operation of low and medium voltage electrical circuit breakers, motor starters, loadbreak switches, vault switches, network switches and Load Tap Changers (LTCs) to a new level of safety.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognises hazards associated with arc flash incidents as defined in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E standard. An arc flash is part of an arc fault, a type of electrical explosion that results from a low-impedance connection to ground or another voltage phase in an electrical system. Experience has shown that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has limited effectiveness in safeguarding workers from arc flashes during operation and racking of switchgear equipment commonly used at power plants, electrical transmission & distribution facilities, mining operations, refineries and petrochemical plants, and other industrial and commercial sites.

Application of an effective remote racking system increases distance from the source of the arc fault to the operator and eliminates manual contact while breakers are being inserted or removed.

Safe-T-Rack® is a fully automated, American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-tested tool that has redefined techniques for circuit breaker remote racking and control. The latest addition to the STR® line, the SR-U Battery-powered Remote Racking System, is a lightweight and portable solution employing a Mil-Spec design and robust self-diagnostic capabilities. The system offers best-in-class features such as: rechargeable 28V battery powered for international use, universal handheld controller and drive unit, quick-change tool coupling, smart drive bracket design, and an endlessly expandable data-bus design. The unit includes a standard 50-foot cable with optional extensions.

According to Remote Solutions President Bob Stevenson, the portable SR-U Battery-powered Remote Racking System is a reliable and cost-effective alternative to "land-based" remote racking systems, which are prone to malfunction when racking an improperly positioned device. Alignment issues can result in physical damage to the circuit breaker, rendering it unserviceable.

"Our SR-U system is designed to increase operator distance from the breaker, allow racking in and out of a cubicle, minimise damage from mechanical racking failures, and integrate remote operation of breaker open/close functions, Users no longer have to worry about de-coupling or jamming the breaker into its cubicle, requiring that the bus be de-energised to safely remove and repair the equipment."

Remote Solutions specifically developed the Safe-T-Rack® product family to provide users of low and medium voltage circuit breakers, including GE vertical lift (MagneBlast) designs and a variety of horizontally racked breakers, a comprehensive alternative to arc flash protection garments. Safe-T-Rack® systems are engineered to easily integrate with original equipment switchgear and allow equipment operators to distance themselves from an arc flash incident. This patented technology revolutionises the way circuit breakers, motor starters, loadbreak switches, vault switches, network switches and LTCs are racked in/out of service and charged, closed and opened.