March 2, 2009 – Rockwell Automation introduced FactoryTalk AssetCentre Machine Edition, a software tool designed to help smaller manufacturers and machine builders with a limited number of automation assets maximize their automation investment and minimize downtime. Enabled by FactoryTalk Services, FactoryTalk AssetCentre Machine Edition provides manufacturers with a centralized tool for gathering, managing and securing data on up to 25 devices, such as control systems, drives and human-machine interface devices, using a single workstation.
Using the software, manufacturers can efficiently respond to new opportunities, production changes or problems through a set of asset-centric tools, all designed to help improve production system security, minimize risk, maximize uptime and improve operational efficiency. The new version allows smaller manufacturers to reap the benefits of automated asset management without purchasing an additional Microsoft SQL Server database.
The FactoryTalk Integrated Production and Performance Suite of plant-wide information software offers a flexible solution to help manufacturers reduce costs and extend the life cycle of existing investments. FactoryTalk AssetCentre Machine Edition expands that objective by helping manufacturers with small islands of automation securely and centrally manage production environments. The software offers version control and archiving of program files and documents, provides backup and recovery of operating asset configurations, tracks users’ actions, and manages asset configuration files on Rockwell Automation devices.
Machine builders can leverage FactoryTalk AssetCentre Machine Edition to provide added value for end users. The new version allows machine builders to cost-effectively provide electronic versions of archived files, prints and drawings for delivery to end users. Additionally, machine builders may leverage the new version to maintain an electronic record of the original configuration of the devices for warranty purposes.
FactoryTalk AssetCentre Machine Edition is built from a framework designed to add support for Rockwell Automation devices. By using FactoryTalk AssetCentre Machine Edition, manufacturers can centrally track and manage changes through four key areas of functionality:
Security – Helps reduce unauthorized system access and controls authorized user actions using the security functionality within FactoryTalk products.
Audit Trail – Records users’ actions within Rockwell Automation software applications and generates an audit trail that tracks user, device, computer, time and action taken. This record can help provide faster troubleshooting of system problems, improve user training, and improve regulatory compliance with laws such as 21 CFR Part 11.
Archive – Tracks versions of binary files and provides check-out and check-in capabilities. This helps manufacturers better manage version control and, ultimately, their applications.
Disaster Recovery – Provides automatic “backup” or “backup and compare” of an asset’s configuration to help the user view and analyze all changes that have been made to equipment on the plant floor.
“To thrive in today’s global economy, manufacturers, even those not heavily invested in automation, must learn to leverage manufacturing convergence to achieve higher levels of business performance,” said Tad Palus, product manager, Rockwell Automation. “FactoryTalk AssetCentre Machine Edition was designed with those smaller manufacturers in mind. The solution provides them a cost-effective way to secure their asset investments and protect the data, processes and intellectual property they’ve developed over time.”
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK) is a leading global provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage for their businesses. The company brings together leading global brands in industrial automation that include Allen Bradley controls and services, and Rockwell Software factory management software. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., the company employs about 20,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.
