ABB and Saab collaborating on civil security solutions
17 December, 2008
ABB and Saab AB have signed a letter of intent to collaborate on solutions for the civil security market and process industries.
Plant simulation software
01 December, 2008 | Supplied by: Product Lifecycle Management Australia
Product Lifecycle Management Australasia has announced the availability of Plant Simulation, a software solution from Siemens PLM, that allows users to optimise throughput, relieve bottlenecks and minimise work-in-process in factories, warehouses and logistical operations.
Simulation and modelling software
01 December, 2008 | Supplied by: MathWorks Australia
The MathWorks has introduced Release 2008b (R2008b) of its MATLAB and Simulink product families. R2008b includes new features in MATLAB and Simulink, two new products, 19 major updates, and enhancements to the PolySpace code verification products.
Securing SCADA field systems — Part 2
27 November, 2008 by Kevin L Finnan* | Supplied by: Ovarro
Part 1 of this article introduced the standards efforts in relation to best practices in securing SCADA systems and introduced some key practices in protecting remote control systems. In Part 2, we discuss physical protection of remote RTU systems and highlight best practices for dealing with system failure.
Amcor improves bottom line with Citect
19 November, 2008 | Supplied by: Schneider Electric
Amcor, one of the world’s leading packaging companies, offers a broad range of plastic, fibre, metal and glass packaging products, along with packaging-related services. The company has annual sales of AU$10.9 billion and employs 22,000 people worldwide. In Australia, Amcor has four beverage can manufacturing plants — Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth — and an end-making facility in Ballarat, Victoria, as well as a can and end manufacturing plant in Auckland, New Zealand.
OPC and DCOM: Five things you need to know — Part 2
18 November, 2008 by Randy Kondor*
In Part 1 of this article we explained the initial system-wide settings that are required for DCOM to operate correctly on a PC that is to run an OPC server. In Part 2 we will discuss the server-specific settings which will need to be configured for your specific OPC application.
Controller engineering software
01 November, 2008 | Supplied by: Rockwell Automation Australia
Rockwell Automation has released version 17 of its RSLogix 5000 engineering software, with significantly expanded process control and automation functionality for the Allen-Bradley Logix family of controllers.
Production analysis software
01 November, 2008 | Supplied by: GE Intelligent Platforms Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
Proficy DataMart reaches deep within manufacturing operations across a business to provide a single, unifying view into operational performance. Its data cubing technology layers on top of the Proficy Plant Applications suite of software modules.
Condition monitoring system
01 November, 2008 | Supplied by: Metal Work Pneumatic Australia Pty Ltd
The Vibromac 107 is designed to provide continuous condition monitoring. An upgrade from previous versions, the system allows the user increased plant availability, through the monitoring of many operational conditions involved in screening and feeding of material.
Robot programming GUI
01 November, 2008 | Supplied by: Marand Precision Engineering
SmartGUI is the graphical user interface for Kuka robots. Robots only work on instruction and the SmartGUI system is designed to enable that instruction be straightforward and simple.
CAM software
01 November, 2008 | Supplied by: Technology Sales & Support
CNC Software has released Mastercam X3, offering expanded machining flexibility and an increased emphasis on speed and automation. Feature-based machining, 2D high-speed tool motion and faster toolpath generation combine with dozens of additional enhancements in a package intended to improve shop floor productivity.
Modelling language
01 November, 2008 | Supplied by: MathWorks Australia
The MathWorks has announced the Simscape language, a new capability that enables textual authoring of physical modelling components, domains and libraries in the Simulink environment.
Securing SCADA field systems — Part 1
22 October, 2008 by Kevin L Finnan* | Supplied by: Ovarro
The most famous attack on a SCADA system took place in Australia in 2001. As reported by news.com.au and other sources, Vitek Boden, a disgruntled former employee of the contractor who installed a computer system for the Maroochy Shire Council, near Brisbane, later hacked into the system.
In pursuit of the perfect plant
20 October, 2008 | Supplied by: SAP Australia Pty Ltd
Manufacturers today operate in a highly complex, distributed and fragmented environment. On one hand, globalisation has created tremendous opportunities to develop new products, serve new customers and pursue new markets. On the other hand, competitive stakes are getting higher than ever. You face unprecedented pressures to cut operating costs, deliver on time, optimise use of available assets and adhere to regulatory and compliance edicts.
OPC and DCOM: Five things you need to know — Part 1
18 October, 2008 by Randy Kondor*
OPC technology relies on Microsoft’s COM and DCOM to exchange data between automation hardware and software; however, it can be frustrating for new users to configure DCOM properly. If you have ever been unable to establish an OPC connection or transfer OPC data successfully, the underlying issue is likely DCOM-related.
