It’s Easy to Connect and Create Workflow Applications Between ControlLogix PACs and Databases Without Programming
If the cost and complexity of creating custom software bridges is stopping you from creating workflow applications between the plant floor and a business system, an xCoupler® eATM™ module might be exactly what you are looking for. Here are a couple of recent examples of how this innovative data appliance is working to provide connectivity and data management:

3M España, Madrid, Spain – This facility makes several styles of ScotchBrite® sponges and has reduced product changeover times on its processing lines from an hour to under 30 seconds with virtually no errors. An xCoupler eATM module installed in a ControlLogix PAC enabled them to migrate from manual data entry during product changeovers, to downloading various sponge material recipes from a database.

The module communicates with the process line equipment through the ControlLogix backplane and with the database via Ethernet. Simple configuration of the module enables specific recipe parameters from the database to download to the process line’s batching system. Since the module is bidirectional, it forwards a confirmation of the recipe materials downloaded back to the database.

While the xCoupler module was originally installed for just recipe downloads, it is now also being used to configure the various equipment in the process line such as pumps, valves, actuators, etc., as well as sponge recipes for each product changeover. The xCoupler module has enabled 3M to maximize Allen-Bradley equipment to migrate to new levels of equipment utilization, productivity and product quality.

Tillamook Creamery, Oregon, USA – As one of the largest and oldest creameries in the United States, Tillamook prides itself on the quality of the cheeses, yogurts, ice cream, butters and sour creams it produces. A part of the quality process employed by the creamery includes a statistical process control (SPC) system that serves to help ensure customer satisfaction.

The latest addition to the SPC system was the integration of high-speed scale data with a database before and after cheese blocks were wrapped. The challenge was to find a cost-effective way to bidirectionally exchange the serial data from the seven scales with the SPC system’s database.

After looking at several options, including custom programming a PC-based data bridge, they chose our xCoupler eATM module. The module snaps into the existing ControlLogix PAC rack used in the weighing and handling system and requires no programming to exchange the scale serial data with the database. Configuring the module to exchange specific data transfers and actions only requires a few hours.

These are just a couple of the hundreds of ways we have helped our customers use our combined technologies to migrate existing products to accept new challenges. We have helped many Rockwell Automation customers around the world including John Deere, Georgia-Pacific, Bridgestone, Sara-Lee, Wyeth, Nucor Steel, Caterpillar, Pratt & Whitney, Disney, Cummins and others achieve new goals with existing equipment.



More Solutions – In addition to xCoupler eATM modules, we offer other products to help customers maximize the value of their installed equipment. Our cATM™ modules connect installed Allen-Bradley PLCs with ControlLogix PACs without the need to write message instructions. They easily enable adding more capability without the complexity and cost of programming message instructions.


Learn How You Can Quickly and Inexpensively Connect to a Business System and Create Workflow Applications – Without Programming
Contact us today to schedule a personalized webinar for you and your colleagues to see how one of our data appliances can help you maximize your investment in ControlLogix PACs. Click the link below or call: 1-800-625-8678 or 1-865-251-5252.

Schedule a Webinar

See Our Solutions Firsthand
We will be exhibiting at several Rockwell Automation Complete Automation On The Move (CAOTM) and Automation University events throughout 2008. For times and places click on the link below.

Tradeshow Schedule

Control Systems Integrator Association (CSIA) Annual Meeting Attendee-
and Information-Packed
Alex Cuningham, Online Development – The annual CSIA meeting May 1 through 8 in Savannah, Georgia was packed with members and partners plus a wealth of valuable presentations. Rick Dolezal from Rockwell Automation gave us all an insight into the future
of factory automation. A few of his key predictions include:

• All systems are linked. Your password or biometric data will be your master key to
  access all systems and data on all plant projects is entered only once.
• Customers will know what they need based on changing purchasing patterns,
  even the weather.
• Real-time performance management (RPM) and overall equipment effectiveness
  (OEE) will be measured and calculated automatically to drive performance improvements.
• Extensive use of RFID to track production, people and equipment.
• Artificial intelligence will make routine decisions, freeing plant personnel to take a
  broader view of plant operations.
• Equipment with self-diagnostic capability will submit its own corrective or preventive
  maintenance work orders including maintenance scheduling.
• Product variability is reduced through adaptive advanced control based on putting
  blocks of application modules together – eliminating custom code.
• PLC and DCS systems will vanish and be replaced with a single plant automation
  system.
• Applications will be fully simulated before they are built.
• Most amazingly, plant engineers will respect IT and even ask them to come to meetings!

These are just a few of his many insights into the world of automation in the future. Like to know more? Give me a call at 1-865-251-5238 or email me: acuningham@oldi.com