Schneider's transparent factory breakthrough

Citation

(1998), "Schneider's transparent factory breakthrough", Assembly Automation, Vol. 18 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1998.03318aab.010

Schneider's transparent factory breakthrough

Schneider's transparent factory breakthrough

Taking a leading role in the emerging "transparent factory" technology, Schneider Automation presents the only truly open commercially enabled communication network (Figure 3). Any user with an Ethernet connected computer can now have immediate remote access, from anywhere in the world, to production, quality, maintenance and diagnostics, scheduling and statistics information.

Figure 3 Schneider Automation's model of the only truly open, commercially enabled communication network. Remote access using the de facto international standards of Modbus, TCP and Ethernet, for immediate access to, and real movement of, information from factory floor to the top MIS level.

This unique development, based on the de facto international standards of Modbus, TCP and Ethernet, means that the control system has become a transparent component of the MIS infrastructure. In effect, information can now travel freely in real time, irrespective of the hardware platform or operating system installed, from the factory floor to the management information systems level.

Schneider is the first automation controls manufacturer to use Ethernet as a control network, rather than a proprietary system. Using Internet/Intranet technology, Java compliant Web servers, and Web browsers, a major advantage of the system is that gateways (the traditional method of allowing communication between controllers and computers) are dispensed with. Java adds an additional benefit in that enables different hardware platforms to communicate together.

Management can have immediate access to information such as where the spare capacity is, what volume of product is being produced at any time, an analysis of maintenance problems, and a wealth of information on which decisions can be made with the objective of achieving greater efficiency and increased profitability. This information can be accessed on demand, or configured (pushed or pulled) to be sent out periodically. In this way, for the first time ever, Management Information Systems can directly access data and execute applications on the factory floor, from plant floor computers, automation controllers, bar code readers or I/O devices.

A model of the "transparent factory"

Schneider and Sun Microsystems have developed a model of the "Transparent Factory" manufacturing automation control using Modicon TSX automation controllers with Ethernet TCP communications, together with Ethernet enabled I/O blocks. Operating independently, Sun Microsystems' Java software delivers accurate information anywhere there is a computer or an Internet interface ­ visit the Modicon.com or Sun.com Web sites for more details.

A Sun Microsystems NC (network computer) displays, via a hot Java browser, field devices connected to the automation controllers and Ethernet I/O modules. In this way, the operators can manipulate data and execute instructions, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Intranet technology as a field bus solution.

Communication between manufacturing apparatus is made possible using the existing standard of Modbus, TCP and Ethernet. This strategy allows for the communication of real time data, remote access to information, and remote monitoring, via the Ethernet, of manufacturing plants across different locations.

Using the analogy of a train, Ethernet is the gauge or width of the track, TCP/IP is the track and the train, HTTP and Modbus are the containers in the carriages of the train and Java is the engine and driver. While the power and capability of the Ethernet is widely appreciated, harnessing it and applying it to the automated factory is the challenge, and Schneider Automation is leading the way, in this area.

Open communications philosophy

With a high level of expertise in proprietary communications and in the open fieldbus architectures of Modbus Plus, FIPway, Profibus, Lonworks, and Interbus "S", as well now as Ethernet, Schneider has a proven commitment in providing solutions and supporting its customer base. Schneider's openness is demonstrated by having interfaces for most proprietary network solutions. Ethernet provides the vehicle for truly open commercially enabled solutions.

In addition, Schneider is a driving force on various committees actively developing the European standards, EN 50170, while continuing to offer full support for its proprietary networks, FIPWAY and FIPIO and Modbus Plus.

Development of a range of Web compatible products is currently under way at Schneider Automation's development centre in the USA. Details will be announced as they become available.

For further information contact: Tony Ciardiello, Schneider Limited, University of Warwick Science Park, Sir William Lyons Road, Coventry CV4 7EZ. Tel: 01203 416255; Fax: 01203 417517.