Rockwell HMI with better operator efficiency

Rockwell Automation has updated its HMI software to equip industrial workers with better information to run and maintain their systems. New features in the FactoryTalk View software version 10.0 include greater access to information, new mobile device support and better cross-software integration to improve productivity.

Operators can now use the TrendPro tool in FactoryTalk View Site Edition (SE) software to overlay alarm information on trend data. This feature can help them connect alarm occurrences with data-point values to speed up troubleshooting. They can also use the tool to save and share ad hoc trends with other workers.

“This version also adds support in the HMI for flexible alarming with the Allen-Bradley Logix line of controllers,” said Sharon Billi-Duran, product manager, FactoryTalk View, Rockwell Automation. “Previously, users had to manually create alarm conditions in both the controller and the HMI. With tag-based alarming, operators can now create the alarm configuration in Logix and the HMI will process it automatically, which saves time by reducing the need for programming.”

FactoryTalk View SE v10.0 also integrates the ThinManager software login into the FactoryTalk View platform. In the past, users had to separately log in to both systems. Now, they can bypass the second security point with an automatic login pass-through for easier and faster operations.

For process industries, the FactoryTalk View SE software introduces an abnormal situation management (ASM) multi-monitor framework. This feature allows operators to see different levels of data across multiple screens in accordance with standards-based ASM guidelines. It can also provide operators with more viewable information, helping them more efficiently run and maintain their systems.

The updated FactoryTalk ViewPoint software, which extends the FactoryTalk View SE software to mobile devices, now supports recipe management. This update allows workers to view and download recipes on the device of their choice. And now, with ViewPoint v10.0 software, FactoryTalk Alarms and Events alarm history is also available on their mobile devices. The FactoryTalk View Machine Edition (ME) software v10.0 adds design-time and run-time enhancements to improve user efficiency and productivity. The HMI software now better supports restoring and upgrading legacy projects and improves usability when editing displays.

“Prior to this release, operator actions could be logged to an audit trail, but there was no guarantee that the system would capture them,” said Sue Burtch, marketing manager, visualisation software, Rockwell Automation.

“Now with onboard audit trails, this information is captured locally on the terminal, and audit data is securely stored there until it can be backed up. For highly regulated industries, like pharma production, this supports requirements such as US 21CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11.”

ThinManager improves operator productivity

Industrial workers can get better access to the information they need, where they need it, with the new ThinManager v10.0 software platform from Rockwell Automation. New visualisation, mobility and security features can help operators and technicians produce more with less downtime using the Rockwell Automation software portfolio and industrial-grade thin clients. With a new virtual-screening capability, users can customise how they see applications and data from multiple sources, all without rewriting a single line of code. This capability can help them view the information that is most relevant to their job. New support for wearable technology can also revolutionise how workers access information. For example, a maintenance technician could diagnose and troubleshoot a machine just by looking at it through a Microsoft HoloLens mixed-reality headset.

“ThinManager software is helping industrial companies build their Connected Enterprise environments through improved visualisation and mobility,” said Tom Jordan, marketing lead, ThinManager, Rockwell Automation. “The software can visualise data and disperse content to any combination of device, user or location within an industrial facility. This ability can provide greater insight into and management of a user’s operations.”

The updated software introduces authentication pass-through to help improve productivity. In the past, users had to log in to ThinManager and other software applications separately, adding time onto costly operations. Now the software can natively pass users’ credentials to supported HMI products like FactoryTalk View Site Edition.

Improved authentication features reduce operator maintenance and improve security by simplifying the management of all devices and users. Version 10.0 allows operators to configure multiple forms of authentication such as RFID badges and biometrics. New password-caching capabilities allow administrators to configure time periods for PIN authentication during a shift.