Software & IT

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Asset management software

05 October, 2008 | Supplied by: Rockwell Automation Australia

FactoryTalk AssetCentre is an asset management software package which enables users to securely and centrally manage ever-changing process automation production environments.