Upgrade to Innovate.

Invitation to Wonderware users and partners to unlock and showcase the full potential of industrial operations.

As the SolutionsPT annual Xchange event continues to expand, Xchange 2024 is shaping up to be the company's most insightful conference to date. Centred around the theme "Upgrade to Innovate," this year’s event marks a pivotal shift for SolutionsPT. Building on the legacy of the Wonderware brand, the conference will highlight how SolutionsPT is bridging the gap between legacy systems and the advanced technologies that define its modern-day services saving organisations money, time, and headaches.

SolutionsPT Xchange is a two-day conference that delivers hands-on learning to improve OT systems. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptop to join the interactive workshops and labs that mirror real-world challenges, guided by experts in the latest HMI, SCADA, AVEVA PI and industrial data management innovations. Confirm your place today, connect with industry peers, get practical tips and leave with skills you can use right away.

Xchange 2024 6-7th November 2024 The Clayton Hotel Silver Springs Cork, Ireland REGISTER HERE

Sue Roche, General Manager at SolutionsPT, and scheduled keynote speaker said, “Xchange is always an exciting time for SolutionsPT. The conversations we have at the event are invaluable and have a direct effect on the agenda of future events, this year we are excited to focus on modernisation. Rip and relace isn’t the only option for OT teams seeking the latest capabilities, existing kit can be transformed to turn data overload into actionable insight that will unleash the full potential of industrial operations.”

Xchange 2024 will be held over two days in Cork (IRL) from November 6th and has a packed agenda of live workshops to experience the complete revamped AVEVA Operations Control Edge: InTouch. It tackles modern challenges with rapid graphic development for real-world problem solving. The latest in AVEVA Operations Control Supervisory will show improved navigation, and a hands-on session in AVEVA PI Vision will demonstrate how the power tool for exploring system data can build informative dashboards in minutes. “Operators, engineers, and owners will be empowered with real-time insights to optimise operations.” added Sue.

On the second day, attendees will have opportunities to network with industry peers and gain valuable insights from expert speakers. The agenda will demonstrate that digital transformation success is not only attainable for every industrial enterprise but can also scale to meet the evolving needs of operations both now and in the future.

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@SolutionsPT @AVEVAGroup  @TheCadenceTeam  #Pauto #HMI #SCADA #Ireland

More HMI/SCADA capabilities.

Truly unlimited tag counts, clients, and scalability—combined with access to advanced AI/ML analytics and CONNECT services—streamline developer workflows, while delivering unprecedented value.

Updated capabilities and commercial models for their award-winning InTouch Unlimited HMI/SCADA software have been advanced by AVEVA*. New features, optimized commercial models, and pricing make it easier for end users, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and systems integrators (SIs) to develop and scale HMI/SCADA applications from edge-to-cloud, with the ability to incorporate analytics and CONNECT, the company's industrial intelligence platform.

AVEVA InTouch Unlimited empowers system integrators with the most comprehensive suite of HMI/SCADA technology available in the market today. It is an all-inclusive licensing package available in perpetual and subscription models with unlimited tags, clients, and scalability. The InTouch Unlimited package features comprehensive process historian and reporting functionality, equipping users with the ability to collect and unlock the value of data sourced at the edge, and from multiple plants and systems spanning the enterprise. The modernized development tools are now available free of charge and include prebuilt templates to accelerate design productivity, as well as simplified tag and application development workflow leveraging industry standard protocols such as OPC-UA and MQTT.

SIs and users can easily develop, deploy, and scale HMI/SCADA applications using InTouch Unlimited. As a component of the broader AVEVA Operations Control software portfolio, InTouch Unlimited can utilize hybrid-cloud architecture to easily integrate AI features such as predictive quality, throughput, and energy efficiency into traditional HMI/SCADA applications. By pairing AVEVA Operations Control with CONNECT, developers can consolidate operations data from various production lines, plants, and value chains. This provides a centralized view of operations and allows the system to scale with business growth without the need for application redevelopment.

InTouch continues to be an innovation leader in HMI/SCADA since the technology’s inception over three decades ago. AVEVA is committed to delivering products that make it easy to evaluate our software portfolio, develop tailored solutions, and scale to meet growing business needs. Doug Warren, AVEVA’s Senior Vice President, Monitoring & Control Business, emphasizes this user-focused approach. “AVEVA InTouch Unlimited provides unprecedented value for our system integration partners,” says Warren. “This new offer, coupled with our focus on technical enablement through the Heroes HQ forum and bite sized video-based training content, makes choosing AVEVA HMI/SCADA products easier than ever.”

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* In 2014, Schneider Electric acquired Invensys PLC, the owner of the Wonderware software brand and many others, to form a new software business unit. AVEVA and Schneider Electric’s software business merged in 2018 under the AVEVA name, with a combined set of software solutions. In 2021, AVEVA acquired OSIsoft combining world-class data management together with AVEVA’s leading industrial software.

@AVEVAGroup @SchneiderElec @SolutionsPT #Pauto #HMI #SCADA

Digitalisation for manufacturers.

A free roadshow will be hosted by SolutionsPT on Tuesday, June 18th, allowing attendees to explore the latest industrial technology trends that are improving efficiency and productivity in the manufacturing industry.

Taking place at the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland, the roadshow will explore:

• the latest developments in cyber security and disaster resilience solutions that help safeguard industrial operations;
• the ways in which operational lifecycles can be enhanced using digitally modelled assets, and
• how cloud technology can provide attendees with greater insights into their assets and capabilities.

Attendees will learn about the latest Wonderware SCADA developments and how these enhance real-time operator awareness, data presentation and alarm management, as well as how Wonderware System Platform 2017 helps manufacturers digitally model their operational assets, enabling them to see beyond standard visualisation and receive context of their assets across key areas of their business.

They will also hear about an innovative use case study from the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), who selected Wonderware’s Next Generation client software to support a smart manufacturing initiative, and the benefits the software has delivered to their project.

Following lunchtime demonstrations, which will give attendees the chance to see the latest technology solutions in action, two afternoon sessions will explore the benefits that embracing cloud technology can deliver and the importance of using cutting-edge anomaly detection and disaster resilience software to maintain a secure environment.

A series of workshops in the afternoon will then provide attendees with the opportunity to get hands-on with some of the technologies that can help secure and optimise their operations.

Book Here!

@SolutionsPT #Event #PAuto #Ireland 

Dive into industrial automation software.

SolutionsPT is hosting a free Tech Day event for manufacturers, allowing them to take a deep dive into the latest Wonderware software, explore the digital modelling of operational assets and the very latest OT cyber security advancements.

The event, which will be held on Tuesday, February 26th, at SolutionsPT’s Cheadle headquarters (GB), will offer a look at the latest Wonderware software advancements and cyber security solutions, through a combination of demos, case studies and hands-on workshops.

Attendees will explore the latest Wonderware developments in Operational Control, and the improved alarm management and real-time operator awareness offers by the newest InTouch and System Platform. Another session will allow delegates to explore how they can model their operational assets digitally using Wonderware System Platform 2017, enabling them to gain operational insight that goes beyond that offered by traditional SCADA visualisation.

For those looking to mitigate the cyber security risk to their Industrial Control Systems, SolutionsPT will introduce its partnership with OT cyber security specialists, Claroty. A pre-lunch session will look at how Claroty’s anomaly detection solution can deliver a deeper insight into ICS networks, helping manufacturers to achieve complete visibility of their assets and any threats.

A series of afternoon breakout sessions will enable those attending to build on the knowledge gained during the morning with optional, hands-on workshops and demonstrations.

Reserve your place here!

@SolutionsPT  @Wonderware #PAuto 

Tech Day Event!

Following the success of its 2017 ‘Tech Day’ series, SolutionsPT has added an additional date for 2018 to support manufacturers in meeting the growing connectivity and security demands of the digital factory.

Taking place on 18th April 2018 at SolutionsPT’s headquarters in Cheadle (GB), the ‘Tech Day’ will comprise live demonstrations and workshops, showing how critical infrastructure and software applications have been developed to meet the need for highly available and insightful operational big-data. (Register below)

Attendees will be shown the latest features and functionality of the updated Wonderware System Platform 2017 and the newly introduced InTouch OMI Client. Delegates will also be given the opportunity to participate in a number of afternoon workshops where they can get hands-on with Wonderware System Platform and the Thin Client technologies that can deliver increased operational efficiency and insight into the industrial environment.

Highlights of the agenda will also include a presentation from Wonderware Product Manager Andy Graham on the steps required to build a secure architecture and an overview from Chris Whitehead, SolutionsPT’s Managed Platform Product Manager, on the company’s new managed services portfolio.

The events will run from 8:45am until 12pm, before heading into the afternoon hands-on workshops which will run until 16:15pm.

 @SolutionsPT #PAuto @WonderwareUK 

Supporting digital factory.

SolutionsPT is hosting a series of events in Britain, designed to support manufacturers in meeting the growing connectivity and security demands of the digital factory.

Andy Graham

The ‘Tech Days’ will include live demonstrations and workshops, showing how critical infrastructure and software applications have been developed to meet the need for highly available and insightful operational big-data.

Attendees will be given the opportunity to get hands-on with Wonderware System Platform, Citect SCADA and the Thin Client technologies that are shaping the connected ‘factory of the future’ and see how they can deliver increased operational efficiency and insight into industrial environments.

Agenda highlights include a presentation from Schneider Electric on The Digital Factory, a demonstration of SolutionsPT’s Managed Services portfolio and how it can support manufacturers with disaster resilience and business continuity. Wonderware Product Manager Andy Graham will also lead a session on ‘Transforming Industrial Data into Actionable Insight’.

The day-long events will take place in Britain as follows:
• November 21st 2017 at the Milton Hill Hotel in Abingdon,
• November 23rd 2017 at the Bolton White Hotel at the Macron Stadium, Bolton.

The events will run from 08:45 until 16:45. The morning workshop will focus on the latest Wonderware System Platform 2017 release, whilst optional afternoon workshops will cover Thin Manager* and Citect SCADA. Each event is free to attend but delegates must register in advance.

@SolutionsPT #PAuto #SCada @WonderwareUK 

Cybersecurity alert!

We received this warning from Wonderwareon the major Global attack on systems that have been experienced in the past few days. We are sure that other suppliers have issued similar warnings but we though it useful to post this a a reminder to be vigilant always.

The WannaCry ransomware attack has impacted an estimated 300,000 users in 150 countries is a wake-up call for both government and business, said the global body for ICT professionals.
Mike Hinchey, President of IFIP (International Federation for Information Processing) commented, “While we don’t yet know who is responsible for the WannaCry attacks, we do know that the ransomware was developed out of exploits leaked or stolen earlier this year from America’s National Security Agency (NSA), which had been stockpiling them for use in spying. This is the first widespread application of those exploits, but it’s only a matter of time before other attempts are made using adapted versions of the spyware tools taken from the NSA.”

As the saying is "Think before you click!"

Customer Advisory WannaCry Ransomware Cyber Security Alert  Beginning early on Friday, May 12th 2017, a ransomware variant using the EternalBlue exploit for Microsoft Windows began spreading rapidly, locking down businesses and users in more than ninety countries. Tens of thousands of instances of the malware have been detected. This new ransomware variant known as WannaCry, WCry, WannaCrypt, or Wanna Decryptor, targets and exploits a previously known Microsoft SMB vulnerability. Microsoft released a Critical Security Update in February 2017 (Microsoft Security Bulletin MS17-010) that addresses the vulnerability exploited by the attacks. This patch was tested successfully for compatibility with Schneider Electric Software. What you should do Immediately apply the Microsoft patch for the MS17-010 vulnerability. Immediately update your virus definitions (DAT file). McAfee has released an emergency DAT to include coverage for Ransom-WannaCry. We recommend keeping your virus definition files current by updating frequently. Ensure you have recent backups. This alone is the most effective way to recover from a ransomware attack. Ensure all other cyber-defenses are up-to-date. For more information US-CERT Alert (TA17-132A) Indicators Associated with WannaCry Ransomware McAfee KB89335 Protecting against Ransom-WannaCry Microsoft Security Response Center article Customer Guidance for WannaCrypt attacks. NOTE: This article also provides information regarding Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 For more information please download the Wonderware Security Bulletin here. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact us. Kind Regards Wonderware UK & Ireland

#Cybersecurity alert! @WonderwareUK  #PAuto 

Industrial software roadshow for Cork.

Wonderware Ireland is hosting a special event at Fota Island Resort, Cork (IRL), to give manufacturers and system integrators an exclusive look at the company’s new developments.

Taking place on the 29th March 2017, the Next Generation Roadshow will explore Wonderware’s latest innovations, as well as providing delegates with a greater understanding of the future of the industrial landscape and how they can ensure they are prepared for it.

The main event will run from 8:45am until 12:55pm, before heading into the afternoon hands-on session which will run until 5:00pm. The whole day is free to attend. Delegates must register in advance.

The day will begin with a look into the digitisation advancements within industrial automation, before discussing the OT (Operational Technology) networking landscape and managing operational Big Data.

Wonderware Ireland will also introduce its Next Generation SCADA - their upcoming release developed to provide greater simplicity, flexibility and scope. The Next Generation SCADA’s improvements include an enhanced UI visual experience with “out-of-the-box” content and process visualisation standards, web-based access and a heightened ability to access and aggregate IIoT data.

An optional afternoon session will then see Systems Architects take attendees through a practical workshop. This will allow them to get hands-on with the technologies that are bringing connected and future-proof industrial environments into fruition, before finishing with an opportunity to discuss issues one-on-one with Wonderware’s team of technical experts.

Aidan Finnegan, Wonderware Regional Manager for Ireland, said: “Following the success of the new-concept Wonderware event late last year, we decided to bring the roadshow back to Fota Island Resort in Cork. The event will give manufacturing organisations and system integrators a chance to get a look at new and upcoming concepts, as well as giving them hands-on demonstrations to help future-proof their business.

“The event has been planned to ensure delegates get the most out of the event, with our specialist team of technical consultants being readily on hand to ensure attendees leave more informed about the new products and services which are continuing to keep their systems more secure than ever.”

@WonderwareUK  #PAuto #SCADA  #Ireland

Next generation automation software!

Wonderware Ireland, part of SolutionsPT, has unveiled the next generation of Wonderware industrial automation software, including the upcoming Wonderware SCADA release, InTouch Omni.

At a launch event at the International Centre in Telford (GB), John Krajewski, Director of Product Management, HMI/Supervisory at Schneider-Electric, showcased InTouch Omni’s ‘game-changing’ interface and features. SolutionsPT also celebrated the 25th anniversary of its long-standing software distribution partnership with Wonderware in Britain & Ireland.

Marc Herreweghe, IDC,
addresses the meeting.

Built on the same core technology as Wonderware System Platform, InTouch Omni is an evolved version of the software, and will co-exist with both InTouch and InTouch for System Platform offerings. InTouch Omni has originated from this technology platform, and has been significantly enhanced upon with considerable investment over several years. Improvements include an updated UI visual experience, a simplified development environment and an enhanced ability to access and aggregate Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) data. The result is a new industrial software solution that Wonderware believes ‘leap-frogs traditional HMI/SCADA systems.’

During his presentation, John described Omni as ‘Wonderware’s most complete offering to date’ and outlined the key benefits to users including improved simplicity, flexibility and scope. InTouch Omni improves user experience whilst delivering “out-of-the-box” content and process visualisation standards which greatly simplify the task of achieving optimal Situational Awareness of industrial processes. In addition, it works with any device, adding modern form factors, smart navigation and displays capable of delivering a superior operations experience. For ease of use and integration, third party app support is an integral part of the solution, helping drive further Information and Operations Technology (IT/OT) convergence. John concluded by reassuring delegates that InTouch remained Wonderware’s best-selling product and said the brand would continue to invest in its development.

The first day of the two day event also featured a presentation from keynote speaker, Marc Van Herreweghe, Associate Vice President at the International Data Corporation (IDC). Marc’s presentation, entitled Digital Transformation: Unleash Your Potential, spoke of the Industrial Internet of Things as the fourth industrial revolution and looked at how manufacturers could prepare themselves for digital transformation. He said that the factory of the future would be ‘IT intensive’ and that, by 2020, manufacturing operations would be at the forefront of business transformation projects.

Experts from SolutionsPT also gave presentations on Networking and Cyber Security, Cloud and SaaS offerings and ‘Managed Platform’, SolutionsPT’s new High Availability Managed Services offering for industrial environments.

The conference’s Expo area featured a chance to see Wonderware InTouch Omni software in action, as well as demonstrations by a number of SolutionsPT’s partners, including ThinManager, Citect and Stratus Technologies, ecom instruments, MDT Software, Ocean Data Systems and WIN-911.

Sue Roche, General Manager at SolutionsPT, said: “We were delighted with the attendance at our recent Next Generation Conference. We believe InTouch Omni is a game-changer and will become a key tool for those businesses looking to implement an Operations Technology revolution.”

@SolutionsPT #Pauto @SchneiderElec @WonderwareUK

Connecting machines to each other, the Internet and the cloud.

InduSoft has released Service Pack One of InduSoft Web Studio v8.0, adding major improvements to its award-winning software. Continuing the company's vision of any device, any network and any data—this new service pack improves existing HTML5 and custom widget capabilities, introduces an add-on conversion tool for FactoryTalk® applications, and enhances IoTView®.

Adding to the interoperability of InduSoft Web Studio 8.0 SP1, the HTML5 capabilities have expanded to include horizontal trends. The custom widgets now allow users to host third-party applications within the InduSoft Web Studio environment without necessitating Microsoft-specific Active/X and .NET controls. Engineers can easily create custom widgets using HTML/Jscript. Support for the new Import Wizard for FactoryTalk ME/SE greatly reduces the engineering time required for migrating applications from FactoryTalk to InduSoft Web Studio.

The scalable, platform agnostic IoTView runtime, introduced in InduSoft Web Studio v8.0, has also been enhanced to improve data and connectivity. InduSoft Web Studio 8.0 SP1 includes math scripts and enhancements to database connectivity to execute transactions. These capabilities allow IoTView to collect data at an aggregation point close to the sensors and transmit only the data points requiring attention, all in real time, and then manipulate and transform the data into meaningful information before presenting it. These enhancements to InduSoft Web Studio make it the perfect solution for IIoT, Industry 4.0, and Made in China 2025.

The InduSoft Web Studio v8.0 SP1 release is a natural evolution of the product’s life-cycle, and in this latest service pack version, it remains 100% compatible with applications designed using previous versions. The service pack also includes enhancements to the development environment to further reduce the development time for InduSoft Web Studio applications.

@InduSoft #PAuto  #HMI

Celebrating 25 and looking forward.

Wonderware Ireland and UK, divisions of SolutionsPT, are hosting a two day event at which it will exclusively reveal the next generation of Wonderware industrial automation software, including updates to its HMI and SCADA offerings.

8-9 November 2016, Telford, GB.

For 30 years, Wonderware has led the way with the world’s most innovative industrial software. On Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th November at the International Centre in Telford (GB), SolutionsPT will unveil ‘what’s next’ from Wonderware, showcasing the new software it believes will set the bar in industrial automation.

As well as allowing delegates an exclusive first look at Wonderware’s groundbreaking new SCADA release, the conference will also reveal the latest Software as a Service offerings and will unveil the ways in which manufacturers can take a pragmatic approach to the Industrial Internet of Things with networking, data collection and cyber security solutions. The conference will also celebrate the 25th anniversary of the exclusive software distribution partnership between SolutionsPT and Wonderware in Britain and Ireland.

The first day of the event will feature presentations from international keynote speakers, including a product representative from Schneider Electric, and Marc Van Herreweghe, Associate Vice President at the International Data Corporation (IDC), who will provide an industry expert perspective on the future of industrial automation. Attendees will also have the opportunity to listen to presentations from experts on topics including line performance, cloud solutions, disaster resilience and cyber security.

The conference’s Expo area will feature demonstrations of the next generation Wonderware software in action, as well as demonstrations by a number of SolutionsPT’s partners, including ACP, Citect and Stratus Technologies. Other partners confirmed to appear at the Expo are ecom instruments, MDT Software, Ocean Data and WIN-911.

On the second day, SolutionsPT will host multiple training workshops, giving guests the opportunity to get hands-on with a variety of systems, including Wonderware Line Performance Suite, Next Generation HMI/SCADA, Wonderware Online and ACP ThinManager, which have all been designed to help build smart and connected industrial environments.

Sue Roche, General Manager at SolutionsPT, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be able to unveil the next stage of Wonderware software, and demonstrate how the ‘factory of the future’ can become a reality.

“Delegates will be able to experience the next generation of industrial automation and get a first look at cutting-edge software solutions that are making connected, future-proof manufacturing environments a reality. We’re also looking forward to raising a glass to the long-standing relationship between SolutionsPT and Wonderware, and preparing for many more successful years to come.”

The event runs from 9:15am until 5:30pm and includes an evening gala dinner. Overnight accommodation is also available.

Reserve you place here!

@WonderwareUK  #PAuto @SolutionsPT

Industrial IT services provider has new General Manager.

Sue Roche is the new General Manager at SolutionsPT. She has previously served as Business Unit Manager of SolutionsPT’s Wonderware UK & Ireland division, and will assume full responsibility for all of SolutionsPT’s operations and will report directly to the Board, whilst retaining her position as lead on Wonderware UK & Ireland.

Sue Roche

Sue has been with SolutionsPT for eight years and has played a key role in shaping the company’s evolution from traditional SCADA provider, to industrial IT experts capable of providing fully integrated industrial hardware and software solutions. Her appointment as General Manager is part of SolutionsPT’s market strategy to go ‘beyond HMI’ and deliver solutions which embrace cloud, mobile and virtualisation technologies to meet customer requirements for high availability and resilience.

Sue has presided over Wonderware UK and Ireland during a period of substantial growth for the business which has seen it take on a number of significant projects for both new and existing clients, adding some of the largest and most influential businesses in Britain to the company’s books. This has included a major sales expansion with a leading water and wastewater customer, whilst significantly growing the company’s presence in the dairy sector.

Sue said SolutionsPT is firmly focused on continuing this growth and working with Wonderware parent company Schneider to become Britain and Ireland’s leading SCADA and industrial IT supplier. She said: “We’ve had some fantastic wins over the last few years and have expanded into new sectors such as Infrastructure as well as growing our presence in key markets such as Food and Drink and Life Sciences. Wonderware will continue to be at the centre of our offering but we believe that our complementary industrial IT expertise, which includes mobility, cyber security and a managed service offering, will enable us to work with clients and the Systems Integrator community to deliver a holistic solution capable of delivering real efficiencies.”

@SolutionsPT #PAuto 

Key appointments in Scotland and Ireland.

SolutionsPT Strengthens Team with Key Appointments in Scotland and Ireland

SolutionsPT has responded to a business restructure with the appointment of a new area manager for Scotland and new technical manager for Ireland.

SolutionsPT specialises in providing industrial IT services to assist manufacturers in improving operational efficiencies, through operational intelligence, disaster resilience, cyber security and mobile technology solutions. The company is also the exclusive distributor of market-leading Wonderware Operations Management Industrial Software in Britain and Ireland,

Steve Lambie

Steve Lambie, who joins the company as Scotland Area Sales Manager, is tasked with growing the company’s customer base through the provision of hardware, software and services from SolutionsPT.

Joining the company from international beverage alcohol giant, Diageo, where he spent four years as a project engineer for control and instrumentation, Steve has previously held a number of sales positions with engineering companies such as Honeywell and more recently, Invensys.

Ken Molloy, who joins as technical manager, will work closely with system integrators across Ireland to educate them on the latest Wonderware and hardware technical developments.

Ken Molloy

Bringing with him 15 years of experience, primarily in the pharmaceutical and food and beverage sectors, Ken joins from biopharmaceutical specialist ABEC, where he held the role of applications engineer. Before that, he was also at Invensys where he was a field service engineering team leader.

Susan Roche, Wonderware UK & Ireland general manager, commented on the appointments: “With a wealth of both sales and engineering experience, Steve and Ken will work closely with customers across their specific territories to understand their operational goals and requirements and improve their industrial operations.

“Having done business with SolutionsPT in their previous positions, they already have first-hand experience of the benefits we can offer customers. With great understanding and knowledge of their regional markets, we are determined to keep offering customers unparalleled levels of service.”

 @SolutionsPT @WonderwareUK #PAuto 

Best HMI Software!

InduSoft’s Web Studio software was announced as the Control Engineering 2016 Engineers’ Choice Awards winner for the Software - HMI software category.

On February 11, 2016, Control Engineering, part of CFE Media, awarded products in 27 categories of control, instrumentation and automation products introduced during 2015. The winners were chosen by print and online subscribers, and this is the 29th year of product recognition by the publication.

The award winning InduSoft Web Studio 8.0 is a reliable and full-featured software package providing a variety of tools to simplify the creation of HMI and SCADA applications while preparing industry for the future. The latest version of the software adds a new runtime, called IoTView®, compatible with Linux and VxWorks operating systems, adding to the current runtime editions, including InduSoft Web Studio, EmbeddedView, and CEView. This provides IoT scalability to design solutions for deployment on any platform.

The industry leading Studio Mobile Access adds to the ease of deployment on smart devices by conforming to the HTML5 standard. Easy integration to the latest web, cloud, and mobility technologies allows users to create screens, widgets, animated graphics and controls that can be displayed, monitored and controlled by remote devices. The software also includes native redundancy for OPC UA and OPC XML/DA interfaces, as well as Collaboration Server for built-in revision control and application lifecycle management

This comprehensive development and runtime HMI/SCADA software solution provides over 240 built-in communication drivers for automatic connection to a wide variety of PLCs and controllers without the need for custom code. The software includes all the tools users need to develop, deploy and present HMI graphics, alarms, trends, reports, recipes, and historian and database data.

InduSoft is grateful to all the end user customers, OEMs, certified system integrators, and distributors who use their products, and appreciates their continued support of InduSoft Web Studio.

@InduSoft #PAuto @ControlEngTips #HMI #Scada

Cork event to explore the drivers of actionable intelligence within manufacturing operations.

Industrial IT software solutions provider, Wonderware Ireland, is hosting a special event for manufacturers and system integrators at Fota Island Resort, Cork.

Click on logo to register!

Taking place on Tuesday 26th January, the free event will explore how the latest SCADA and operational intelligence technologies are driving continuous improvement within manufacturing operations, leading to increased productivity and savings.

Aidan Finnegan, Wonderware Regional Manager for Ireland, said: “This is the first new-concept Wonderware event we have held in Ireland for some time and would urge manufacturing organisations and system integrators looking to future-proof their systems to attend. The event has been carefully planned to take delegates through a step-by-step approach to driving continuous improvement on the plant floor through adopting the latest data insight technologies for more informed decision making."

The day will begin with an in-depth look into best practice SCADA management through object-based design. It will then move onto examining the various data collection and analysis solutions that can be incorporated into a platform-based architecture, enabling more accurate data driven decision-making.

Delegates will have the opportunity to listen to presentations from a host of Wonderware experts on topics including recipe management, advanced workflow management, cloud-based versus Historian architectures and the advantages of real-time data analysis and reporting.

An optional afternoon session will see system architects take attendees through a practical workshop, allowing them to get their hands on System Platform and Recipe Manager software, with working examples and exercises. The day will finish with an opportunity to discuss issues one-on-one with Wonderware’s team of experienced technical experts.

The event runs from 8:45am until 5:00pm and is free to attend, but delegates must register in advance.

Learn about the real-time analytics revolution!

Wonderware seminar to explore the increasing role real-time analytics is playing in today’s manufacturing industry.

The free event, ‘Operational Intelligence: Real-time Analytics in UK Manufacturing’ will take place on Thursday April 23^rd 2015, from 9:30 to 16:00, at Williams Conference Centre (GB), home of the nine-time Constructors Championship-winning F1 team.

Designed to allow attendees to explore the benefits of Operational Intelligence (OI) technologies, the event is hosted in partnership with Callisto Integration and features a keynote speech by Marc Van Herreweghe, Vice President of Manufacturing Insights at the International Data Corporation (IDC).

Before joining IDC, Marc amassed over 20 years' experience at British American Tobacco (BAT), with responsibility for 45 factories in 40 different countries. His expertise includes global supply chain, lean manufacturing, new factory build and organisational change. The Belgian national has advised a wide range of organisations extensively on manufacturing strategies, in addition to holding academic advisory roles at a number of universities.

He will look at how manufacturers can protect tomorrow’s profits by adopting advanced manufacturing technologies and integrated working systems. His talk will be followed by a Q&A session for attendees.

The event follows a recent whitepaper commissioned by Wonderware UK and delivered by IDC, looking into what the new sources of competitive differentiation will be for the factory-of-the-future and how intelligent use of data will be a key tool for manufacturing businesses in the next five years. The whitepaper will be made available to all delegates attending the event.

Those wanting to attend the event can register here: Click here

Other core topic areas that will be focused on at the event, include:

·         How to drive continuous improvement with real-time KPIs and holistic root-cause analytics

·         The latest alarm management practices

·         The latest technologies available to boost price efficiency in all areas, such as quality and Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE)

·         Manufacturers that have achieved greater efficiency and reduced costs with OI technology

·         Energy Management technologies and approaches

Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from leading brands such as Callisto Integration, Schneider Electric, Wonderware and UReason, whilst hearing case studies from other companies that have already adopted an OI framework.

Wonderware UK OI product manager, Mike Charles, said: “Since we first introduced the term Operational Intelligence two years ago it has been adopted by several key players in our industry. But it’s important to remember that OI is far more than just a technology stack. It’s a best-practice approach to working with operational data and as such its applications vary business-to-business. At our event, which is squarely aimed at decision makers, delegates will hear an unbiased view of this approach and the wider analytics market from the leading manufacturing industry analyst, IDC. This will be balanced with real-world stories from manufacturers who are at various stages of their OI journey.”

Launch of Wonderware R2 in Britain & Ireland!

Wonderware UK and Ireland, is supporting the launch of the ground-breaking Wonderware 2014 R2 with a series of free webinars and Wonderware in Practice demo events.

Webinars: • 2014 R2 system overview: 28th January at 12.30 • 2014 R2 InTouch overview: 3rd February at 12.30 • 2014 R2 System Platform overview: 10th February at 12.30 • 2014 R2 Historian: 17th February at 12.30 Register here: click here Wonderware in Practice Demo Event: • 19th February at Wonderware UK, Cheadle Register here: Click here

Wonderware 2014 R2, available exclusively via Wonderware UK and Ireland and represents a leap forward in the product’s evolution, delivering improvements to InTouch, System Platform and Historian.

Paul Alcock, Systems Architect at Wonderware UK and Ireland, said: “The latest Wonderware solutions deliver enhanced insight into real-time operations, whilst also providing new engineering efficiencies and best practice design, protecting customers’ investments now and into the future. The 2014 R2 release enables customers to have full control of operations whilst supporting continuous improvement and efficiencies.”

An exclusive first look at the product, which will push the boundaries of visualisation and operational intelligence, will be available to those who register for a series of free webinars and ‘Wonderware in Practice’ demo events.

The programme of events kicks off with a Wonderware 2014 R2 System Overview webinar on 28th January. The webinar will discuss the key development areas within the new release, including improved best practice in HMI Design and fresh out-of-the box content, further advancements to Situational Awareness tools, enhanced engineering usability and the introduction of comprehensive, system-wide standards for ultimate efficiency.

On 3rd February 2015, Wonderware will offer a live webinar on InTouch, detailing the further visualisation advancements that have been made to the product, including new ‘InTouch Modern Applications’ functionality, which allows for ArchestrA graphics to be produced within Windowmaker, eliminating the need to change environments, as well as enabling traditional InTouch windows to be converted into ArchestrA graphics. This will be followed by an overview of System Platform 2014 R2 on 10th February detailing its improved alarm management features and superior engineering workflow functionality.

The programme of webinars will conclude on 17th February with an overview of Historian 2014 R2 which delivers a five-fold improvement in storage performance over classic SQL server based storage and the capacity to store more than two million tags.

Mobile monitoring, visualising and analysing real-time plant & industrial process data.

Wonderware^® SmartGlance™ 2014 R2 mobile reporting software has been released by Schneider Electric,. The updated version includes a host of new features that make monitoring, visualizing and analysing real-time plant and industrial process data via mobile devices easier than ever. These features include support for wearable technologies, a modern user interface for any browser, self-serve registration, support for multiple time zones for a global user base and full import and export capabilities for even faster deployment.

“Plant personnel are now mobile so they require immediate access to real-time operations information via their smart phone, tablet or whatever mobile device they carry,” said Saadi Kermani, Wonderware SmartGlance product manager, Schneider Electric. “Wonderware SmartGlance 2014 R2 software delivers highly relevant information coming from industrial data sources to targeted plant workers in the form of personalized charts, reports and alerts. It provides them with the flexibility they need to view and instantly collaborate around real-time plant data on any device so they can make rapid, effective decisions.”

With a small install footprint and no additional hardware requirements, the Wonderware SmartGlance implementation process is fast and simple. MyAlerts, the software’s newest mobile app feature, proactively notifies users of process events so they can stay current with real-time information based on configurable thresholds for tag reports. The software can be used with smart watches to alert mobile and remote field workers, plant supervisors and managers of critical production and process information in a real-time, hands-free manner.

By leveraging the combined power of mobility and Schneider Electric’s cloud-hosted managed services, the software empowers mobile and remote users with the right information at the right time, without disruption or distraction, so they can quickly assign resources and resolve issues. It also features an open interface to connect and push data to mobile devices from virtually any data source, including historians, manufacturing execution systems, enterprise manufacturing intelligence systems or any real-time system of record. It also provides connectors for accessing data from any SQL database and any OPC-HDA-compatible system for better access to third-party data sources and systems. This most recent version also extends connectivity to key Schneider Electric software products, including its Vijeo Citect SCADA offering, InStep PRiSM predictive asset analytics software and the InStep eDNA historian.

Implementing OMAC PackML.

Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, has made it significantly easier for customers and machine builders to realise the benefits of the OMAC PackML standard without having to replace existing control and automation infrastructure.

"OMAC PackML simplifies interconnection across packaging systems and enterprise applications, but it requires processing power beyond the capacity of many PLCs that are already installed on production lines,” Norm Thorlakson, vice president of Schneider Electric's HMI and supervisory software business. “But that doesn’t mean customers need to replace their controllers. Since no two machines or applications are exactly the same, our Wonderware^® OMAC PackML demo template can be integrated with any controller and run on any computer. Offering this new capability removes the need to build in supervisory PackML features, change existing PLC code or replace PLCs and other controllers. It’s a game-changing approach that represents our ongoing investment and commitment to a core industry offering.”

Based on its Wonderware InTouch Machine Edition human machine interface and Wonderware Historian software offerings, the Wonderware OMAC PackML demo template includes the PackML State Model, Control Modes and PackTags, providing a well-defined pattern for describing machine conditions and sharing the information with users and other systems. It simplifies machine-to-machine communication, more tightly integrating packaging systems with production line systems while reducing the communication burden on real-time control systems. Additionally, a configurable user interface shows machine operators exactly how much time they have spent in each machine state and provides an overview of the most common reasons a system might stop. This enables the operator to correct problems in real time, before stops can negatively impact the business.

Because InTouch Machine Edition integrates natively with Wonderware System Platform, Wonderware MES Operations and Wonderware MES Performance software, as well as Wonderware Intelligence software, it enables better access to a greater amount of production data. Such integration contributes to business and line optimization, including new ability to spot bottlenecks and manage work orders, as well as improves overall equipment effectiveness, production execution and traceability.

Predictive asset analytics and historian solutions complement and strengthen company’s capabilities in power sector!

Schneider Electric has entered into an agreement to acquire InStep Software, a leading provider of real-time performance management and predictive asset analytics software and solutions. It is the latest acquisition from the company’s growing Software business and deepens its presence in the power and energy market. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014, subject to customary regulatory and other closing conditions.

Headquartered in Chicago, Ill. and founded in 1995, InStep provides two primary real-time performance management and predictive analytics software solutions. Its eDNA historian software collects, stores, analyzes, displays and reports on real-time operational and machinery sensor data. Its PRiSM predictive analytics software monitors the real-time health and performance of critical assets by using advanced pattern recognition and diagnostic techniques to identify subtle deviations in operating behavior that are often the early warning signs of imminent failures. The company also offers its EBS energy management software, which helps universities reduce their utility costs by analyzing energy consumption and streamlining the utility billing, cost allocation and reporting processes.

“Acquiring InStep Software is indicative of our commitment to delivering game-changing technology and powerful new solutions that improve efficiency, manage risk and drive higher levels of customer value,” said Ravi Gopinath, Ph.D., executive vice president, Schneider Electric Global Solutions, Software Business. “They have a proven, experienced team who are dedicated to helping their customers achieve new levels of value, performance and profitability, and we are delighted to welcome them to Schneider Electric.”

eDNA software strongly complements Schneider Electric’s Wonderware Historian software, and PRiSM software enhances the company’s industry-leading information and asset management software offerings. Many of the world’s most successful companies use InStep’s software products to manage and analyze the rapidly growing amount of real-time operational and machinery asset-health-related information, but its solutions also complement Schneider Electric’s offerings in several other industries, including food & beverage, consumer packaged goods, metals & mining, life sciences and water & wastewater.

“As with other recent acquisitions, InStep Software strengthens our portfolio in targeted industries and segments,” said Rob McGreevy, vice president, information, operations and asset management, Schneider Electric. “Their solutions give us additional, stronger data management and predictive analytics capabilities in the power and energy management industries, including power transmission and distribution, and will help us fulfill our strategic plans around Big Data, the Internet of Things and other emerging trends. With InStep, we strengthen our reputation as an industry game changer, and we are immediately more competitive in traditional process manufacturing, which fits with our overall strategy of improving our access to the utilities market in North America.”

“The emerging technologies for Big Data, analytics, the Internet of Things, machine-to-machine and workforce mobility enable new means for improving process quality and equipment reliability while also reducing maintenance costs,” said Ralph Rio, research director at ARC Advisory Group. “InStep’s capabilities for predictive analytics leverage these technology trends and provide clear business value.  When combined with the strengths of Schneider Electric, we expect wider adoption in the power industry, and acceptance in a broader set of other industries where asset reliability and cost control are important.”

“Combined with Schneider Electric’s existing software offerings, our capabilities and expertise in the power and energy segment allow us to provide broader end-to-end visualization, asset management, operations and mobile solutions to our customers,” said John Kalanik, president of InStep Software. “Together, our software products will make it easier to bridge the IT-OT gap, empowering our customers to manage the increasing volume and complexity of their industrial operations. Our customers will continue to work with the same experienced InStep Software team, and we will continue to provide the same exceptional products and services they have come to expect and rely on. With Schneider Electric, our customers will be backed by a leading-edge global software company and our employees will have more opportunities to fulfill their potential for success.”

InStep Software will continue to be managed by its existing executive team, adding approximately 70 employees to Schneider Electric’s operations in the United States.