Read the online version if some of the links don't work in this Automation Software Update.
Data logging Made Easy with NI LabVIEW SignalExpress and CompactDAQ
.jpg)
From the Publisher:
Automation Software and the death of tabloids
Featured Articles:
What Happens in Plant Stays in Plant; Data access from everywhere; Lessons in Cyber Security; Real-time Linux, past and present; and more
Resources & Literature:
NI Graphical System Design for Machine Control; ISA Publishes Alarm Management Textbook; Kepware offers free download of OPC sample code; and more
Application Stories:
Bringing Nuisance Alarms Under Control; Upgrade Streamlines Application Software; Geisum Oil Company Offshore Platform; and more
Featured Training:
ICONICS offers free seminars on Strategies for Operational Excellence; AutomationDirect introduces tutorial site; and more
Featured Products :
PAC Project from Opto 22; Graphical System Design Tool
Product Announcements:
NI LabVIEW Real-Time works with VxWorks RTOS, Opto 22 Introduces SNAP PAC Project software; Siemens adds Foundation fieldbus, plus other features, to Simatic PCS 7, and much more
Featured Events:
SAPPHIRE and ASUG 2007; North America CACS; and more
| Live Software Feed | |
From the Publisher | |||||
|
Automation Software and the death of tabloids
After compiling this edition of the Automation Software newsletter, I realized that not only is software big business, but it seems to generate more new products than any other of our automation categories. Enjoy the rest of this Automation Software update! Rick Zabel |
InTech, March 2007
By May Permann, et al, Idaho National Laboratory
While players in automation are becoming more aware computer systems are vulnerable to cyber attack, especially those controlling our nation’s critical infrastructure, some don’t always implement control system security procedures and devices consistently and effectively. To remotely manipulate a control system, an attacker must gain access to the control system local area network (LAN), discover and understand the process, and then control the process. Researchers at INL report progress in cyber security.
Read full article
Control, March 2007
By Dan Hebert, Senior Technical Editor
A number of hardware and software tools make mobile data access practical. On the hardware side, lots of mobile devices with 2-in. and up color displays and connectivity to cell phone networks and the Internet are in the hands of operations, maintenance and management personnel. On the software side, off-the-shelf software is now available to enable mobile device access to a number of existing plant data sources. These packages take advantage of new Microsoft technologies that provide high levels of security with a minimal amount of programming
Read full article
Control Engineering, March 2007
By Hans Georg Kumpfmüller, Siemens A&D, SC division
The Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) allows integration of all devices uniformly into a control system—from a simple sensor up to a complex drive. Furthermore, the device description provides information on maintenance and diagnostic functions of a field device, and serves as an electronic data sheet. New device, maintenance, and diagnostic functions can be integrated with little effort and at any time into the EDD.
Read full article
Automation World, March 2007
By Wes Iversen, Managing Editor
Attendees at this year’s Process Control Systems Forum received a concentrated look at the latest tools, techniques and projects in control systems cyber security. “We face real dangers from sophisticated, nimble and organized adversaries who will stop at nothing to achieve their objectives. The truth is that our networks and control systems are vulnerable, and they’re exposed, and we have to change that,” declared Bruce Landis, deputy assistant secretary for Cyber Security and Telecommunications for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Read full article
Embedded Computing Design, March 2007
By Daniel Walker, MontaVista Software
Linux traditionally has been considered a general-purpose server or desktop Operating System (OS), and as a result is often viewed as incapable of true real-time functionality. However, this assumption has proven false on multiple occasions. In fact, various Linux approaches begin with a dual OS, Linux, and Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) and continue down the path of low latency, resulting in Linux as the RTOS. Typical real-time approaches entail running an application on bare hardware or using a small OS, which is considered tightly bounded and specifically created for use in real-time applications
Read full article
InTech, March 2007
By Eric Byres, Byres Security
Sound security strategy, whether military, physical, or cyber security, is the concept of "Defense in Depth"-firewalls don't fail me now. Firewalls are a fantastic tool in the security toolbox, but industry has misused them. The solution to securing the plant floor is to build a proper defense-in-depth strategy that does not over rely on any single technology. It also means first creating a proper electronic perimeter around the control system and then hardening the devices within.
Read full article
Control Engineering, March 2007
By Hank Hogan
Embedded real-time operating systems (RTOSs) have changed, adding greater connectivity while meeting new safety and security certifications and considerations.
Read full article
Chemical Processing, February 2007
By George Buckbee, ExperTune, Inc.
Your current control system can probably do more than you think. Everybody can agree that diagnostics are a good thing — they can identify problems early, and keep the plant running at peak performance. Learn how your existing control systems and analog instruments can deliver diagnostic capabilities, at a fraction of the cost of system or instrument replacements. Read full article
Control, January 2007
By Dan Hebert, Senior Technical Editor
Alarm management is a hot topic, perhaps because incorrect presentation of alarms often confuses operators. This article shows how better alarm management empowers operators to improve plant performance.
Read full article
Intech, January 2007
By Gary Goble and Todd Stauffer
Alarm management is one of the most undervalued and underused assets of process automation. An important factor lending itself to human errors is the cacophony of alarms, which preclude the operator's ability to respond quickly and correctly. As alarm systems become less effective, they diminish the effectiveness of the entire automation system.
Read full article
Control Engineering, January 2007
by Jeanine Katzel
Technology is good, so more technology must be better. Right? Wrong. More is not always better. The advent of the microprocessor and the proliferation of the modern distributed control system (DCS) made it easy to alarm something…everything, in fact…at little or no cost. As a result, many facilities today have an overwhelming number of notifications daily, leading to frustrating, sometimes confusing, and occasionally tragic situations. .
Read full article
By Matt Miller, OSIsoft
Rather than ever more centralized, large-scale intelligence, technology has evolved towards highly distributed, intelligent networked devices. Benefits of networked, intelligent devices will be many (but not the same for manufacturers and users). The future holds access to more data, highly distributed networks, access to data in real-time, the ability to collect information about customer use, and product differentiation. Data Historians will be key to archiving and retrieving the data generated by intelligent devices. The Internet is evolving to interconnect all network-attached devices, effectively becoming the largest data acquisition and control network.
Read full article
Obtain the Machine Condition Monitoring Resources Kit to learn the components of a MCM system and see the Reference Architecture, how the NI USB plattform can be used to do machine diagnostics and how to optimize your machine control system.
Download Resources Kit
Technical white paper describes embedded system development for machine control using a single, automated, graphical programming tool and PACs.
View white paper
"Alarm Management: Seven Effective Methods for Optimum Performance" by Eddie Habibi and Bill Hollifield is now available from the ISA bookshop for $79.
More information
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to Manufacturing Operations Management: ISA-95 Best Practices Book 1.0" shows the way to dramatically lower total cost of ownership for manufacturing IT architectures and manufacturing, as well as reducing supply chain operational costs.
More information
“Advanced Control Unleashed: Plant Performance Management for Optimum Benefit,” by Terrence L. Blevins, Gregory K. McMillan, Willy K. Wojsznis, and Michael W. Brown, provides the basis for assessing the benefits of advanced control - covering auto-tuning, model predictive control, optimization, estimators, neural networks, fuzzy control, simulators, expert systems, diagnostics, and performance assessment.
More information
The code samples provided in this easy download will help developers who are interested in adding OPC client capabilities to their Visual Basic and Visual C++ applications. VB OPC client code follows the code structure found in the OPC Automation Interface 2.0 specification.
Get Download
"New Directions in Bioprocess Modeling and Control" focuses on the benefits that models offer before they are put online. Based on years of experience, the authors reveal that significant improvements can result from the process knowledge and insight that are gained when building experimental and first-principle models for process monitoring and control.
Get Book
National Instruments provides flexible, embedded data loggers that are ideal for a variety of industrial and in-vehicle logging applications that require a stand-alone, rugged logging solution. These data loggers combine an embedded real-time controller for stand-alone operation, a rugged chassis, and a variety of I/O modules for connecting with any analog or digital sensor.
Read case studies
Control Engineering, March 2007
By David Gaertner
When operators have to answer 5,000 alarms in 18 hours, it’s time to attack a huge problem. To reduce alarm floods that seemed to be occurring with increasing frequency, Arizona’s Salt River Project (SRP) implemented a very effective alarm management solution at two of its generating stations, Navajo and Santan.
Read full story
InTech, March 2007
By Pavel Kataev, et al
Neural network technology proves best choice for virtual sensing in crude refining units. Perm, Russia's, LUKOIL refinery, chose to use artificial neural networks for online, real-time inferential property estimation in what could be one of the world's largest installations (in terms of the number of neural models) on a single crude unit. The neural networks run as function blocks within the automation system's controllers.
Read full story
Control Engineering, February 2007
By Rick Hannasch, president of Magnum Engineering
The goal in replacing the HMI hardware and software was to provide the requested resolution and detail while dramatically reducing PLC program complexity by offloading the security and configuration functions to the HMI.
Read full story
InduSoft Web Studio is enabling the University of Sarajevo to teach engineering
students how to develop real-world software applications that simulate real-life conditions. Students use the software to test electrical transmission towers in Bosnia.
Read full story
Geisum uses InduSoft for its offshore platform emergency shutdown system in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. The system monitors and controls all platform instruments and setpoints, and allows maintenance people to access critical data with handheld PDAs and laptops.
Read full story
Control and automation experts should attend this 45-minute webcast on demand to learn about new tools in LabVIEW 8.20 and new HMI hardware targets available for creating user interfaces with LabVIEW. This event includes an overview of new hardware targets, explanation of tools available in LabVIEW for programming HMIs, and tips and techniques for integrating code from PXI, Compact FieldPoint, and CompactRIO systems.
More Information and View Webcast
American seminar locations include Detroit, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, Chicago, Toronto, Rochester, Philadelphia, Boston, Montreal, Nashville, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Grand Rapids, Denver and more. ICONICS will also bring its seminar to Thailand, Indonesia, New Zealand and other locations around the world.
More Information
The video tutorial and training site, learn.automationdirect.com, is divided into product categories. It helps answer questions on a range of automation topics such as Selecting a PLC, Building a Combination Manual Motor Starter, HMI and PLC software features, the basics of sensors, motors and motion control, and more. Typically, the presentations are divided into several 1-30 minute segments.
More Information
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology has evolved over the past 30 years as a method of monitoring and controlling large processes. A variety of approaches are taken when SCADA Systems are used for automation in numerous and diversified manufacturing industries. This 3-day course will introduce students to SCADA basics.
More Information
 |
|
|---|---|
 |
NI LabVIEW Real-Time works with VxWorks RTOS - 04/03/07 LabVIEW graphical programming environment now works with the Wind River VxWorks real-time operating system (RTOS). Engineers can use LabVIEW Real-Time to deploy custom real-time applications on VxWorks 6.1 embedded in NI's cRIO-9012 and cRIO-9014 controllers. |
|
_thumb(1).jpg) |
Opto 22 Introduces SNAP PAC Sim software - 03/26/07 SNAP PAC Sim software provides the functionality of a SNAP PAC programmable automation controller in a Microsoft Windows-based PC. |
_thumb.jpg) |
Opto 22 introduces OptoDataLink software - 03/19/07 OptoDataLink is used to create and facilitate bi-directional data exchange between the SNAP PAC System and enterprise databases - like Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, and MySQL, among others. It is suitable for users who need to simply and quickly exchange data among desktop or enterprise applications and control, data acquisition, and monitoring systems using standard methods and file types. |
 |
Siemens adds Foundation fieldbus, plus other features, to Simatic PCS 7 - 03/15/07 Enhancements to Version 7 of SIMATIC PCS 7 Process Automation System include integration of Foundation Fieldbus, configuration / change management, redundant fieldbus with safety communication, smart alarm management, cyber security, plant asset management and condition monitoring. |
_thumb.jpg) |
Opto 22 announces PAC Project software - 03/07/07 PAC Project software suite includes all of the control programming, human machine interface (HMI) development, and connectivity tools needed to design, develop, and maintain industrial control, monitoring, and data acquisition applications. |
_thumb.jpg) |
National Instruments releases LabVIEW SignalExpress - 03/05/07 LabVIEW SignalExpress interactive measurement software simplifies data logging, instrument control and academic instruction. It provides one-click, plug-and-play setup with NI's CompactDAQ USB-based modular data acquisition system, and works with more than 270 data acquisition devices. |
_thumb.jpg) |
NI adds 19 I/O Modules and LabVIEW to CompactDAQ - 03/05/07 Modules include 20 mA current I/O, channel-to-channel isolated analog inputs, RTD sensor inputs, high-density digital I/O, and a universal input module. Each CompactDAQ chassis is shipped with the LabVIEW SignalExpress data-logging software. |
Other Product Announcements
- KUKA upgrades PalletTech software V 3.5 - 04/04/07
- Tendril enhances Zigbee network operating platform - 04/03/07
- S2 Technologies enhances STRIDE 2.1 software - 04/02/07
- Connect One releases CO2128 IP Controllers for secure M2M - 04/02/07
- Thermo Fisher Introduces QuickQuan 2.0 LC-MS/MS software - 03/30/07
- McObject upgrades eXtremeDB 3.1 - 03/28/07
- Honeywell introduces LMI HMI for machine data collection - 03/26/07
- SimSci-Esscor introduces MBM material balance module - 03/26/06
- Green Hills Software enhances PSN secure networking - 03/26/07
- Avantis enhances PRO asset management software - 03/19/07
- OpenMake announces Meister build-to-release software - 03/19/07
- ServoSoft enhances EasySize Wizard motion control design software - 03/19/07
- Infor introduces SCM WM 9.0 warehouse management software - 03/15/07
- Control-See introduces U.C.ME-OPC for alarm import from HMI systems - 03/15/07
- ABB announces Automation Sentinel for software management - 03/15/07
- Rockwell Automation adds EWEB Web server to CompactLogix - 03/15/07
- RTI incorporates IPv6 in its Data Distribution Service middleware - 03/12/07
- Symbion Systems enhances software for analytical instruments - 03/12/07
- InSync releases Edgeware 3.1 for sensor-driven supply-chain execution - 03/08/07
- Wonderware ugrades Equipment Operations Module - 03/07/07
- Inductive Automation updates FactoryPMI and FactorySQL - 03/07/07
- GE Fanuc enhances VersaMax Micro 64 Controller software - 03/07/07
- SigmaQuest updates SigmaSure 6.0 with repair insight module - 03/07/07
- ELUTIONS releases WizReport XL 7 reporting software - 03/05/07
- Emerson introduces DeltaV InSight control performance software - 03/05/07
- OpenMake offers free build-to-release process-automation software - 03/05/07
- Industrial Safety Integration expands CIRSMA risk management software - 03/04/07
- Agilent introduces software for troubleshooting RFID Systems - 03/02/07
Product Search
ISA to present SP18.02 alarm management standard at Matrikon meeting - 04/04/07
ISA will describe the ISA-SP18.02 standard addressing the development, installation, and management of alarm systems in the process industries at the Matrikon Summit, May 7-10, Chicago, IL.
ICS Triplex ISaGRAF works with Beck Embedded Web Controller - 04/02/07
ISaGRAF is compatible with Beck's IPC@CHIPR SC123/SC143 series of embedded web controllers. By using ISaGRAF 5, IPC@CHIPR users have the option of using the IEC 61499 standard to easily create distributed control applications.
Wonderware to supply software to Mitsubishi PLCs - 04/02/07
Mitsubishi will integrate Wonderware software into its e-F@ctory MES solutions and PLCs.
Enea Acquires QiValue Technologies - 03/29/07
Enea acquired Swedish QiValue Technologies, a provider of Linux solutions. QiValue, with 13 employees, offers Linux services to equipment makers in the telecom and medical industry and specializes in development of Linux based embedded platforms and Linux training.
ISA's SP99 Security Standards Committee makes progress - 03/29/07
ISA's SP99 standards development committee is making substantial progress on several fronts in its work to develop standards and guidelines for the electronic security of industrial automation and control systems.
OMAC's PackML and Weihenstephan agree to standards - 03/29/07
Both groups are working to develop processes that will facilitate easier packaging line integration and improve efficiencies by reducing developmental costs and project schedules.
OMAC evaluates OPC link from CNC to ERP - 03/24/07
The OMAC HMI Working Group organized a joint project between Boeing, Okuma and NIST to evaluate the integration of CNC to ERP and determine if part accountability could be achieved with minimal integration efforts using OPC/OMAC technologies.
The Infinity Project Standardizes on LabVIEW - 03/20/07
Founded at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, The Infinity Project provides engineering curricula designed for today’s high school and university classrooms, including a complete package of curriculum, industry-standard technology and professional development in more than 230 classrooms in 34 states.
Matrikon's AlarmInsight works with ABB's Industrial IT - 03/16/07
AlarmInsight for System 800xA has been Industrial IT Enabled. AlarmInsight connects Matrikon's ProcessGuard and Alarm MOCCA to ABB's Extended Automation System 800xA, providing System 800xA users with information from Matrikon's alarm management products.
KSE Protech and ObjectAutomation Merge - 03/13/07
The resulting company, known as OA International bv, is a 200+ employee global automation solutions provider. Martin F. Wieffering, former CEO of KSE Protech is now OA International's Chief Executive Officer & Chairman.
Aleier and MACTEC combine their EAM and EMS software - 03/08/07
Aleier and MACTEC Engineering will offer integrated enterprise asset management (EAM) and engineered management systems (EMS) solutions to the facilities management market.
Telvent working with NSTB on SCADA security - 03/08/07
Telvent is participating in a collaborative exercise with the U.S. Department of Energy's National SCADA Test Bed (NSTB) on a joint security assessment project. NSTB researchers at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) assess and mitigate the threats posed by cyber attacks on critical infrastructure control systems.
Invensys to resell Transpara Visual KPI software - 03/07/07
Invensys Process Systems becomes a global reseller and certified implementer for Transpara's Visual KPI operations intelligence software. Visual KPI technology helps customer plant personnel remotely monitor process variables and KPIs from their existing mobile communications devices.
ARC says CPM Market in Europe to hit $1.6 Billion by 2011 - 02/28/07
The European Collaborative Production Management (CPM) software market is in flux. Over the next five years, the market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7%. In 2006, the CPM software and service market was worth $889.6 million and is forecasted to exceed $1.6 billion by 2011 according to a new ARC Advisory Group study.
Kepware supplies OPC server to TriA Solutions - 02/25/07
Kepware's KEPServerEX suite will be used to supply device connectivity for TriA Solution's A3 Core, used in power monitoring and testing management solutions in Power and Distributed Generation.
Matrikon acquires Axonwave Software - 02/21/07
The purchase price is $4.5 million in cash for all issued and outstanding shares of Axonwave, which at closing has net tangible assets estimated at $3.7 million. Axonwave Software is a private company based in Vancouver, BC, that makes Content Intelligence System software for analyzing unstructured data, such as word processing documents, email and PDF files.
April 22-25, 2007 Atlanta, Georgia
SAPPHIRE '07 and the 2007 ASUG Annual Conference let SAP customers from both the business and technical worlds come together with SAP experts and solution providers to explore how their organizations can achieve and maintain maximum profitability, efficiency, and growth.
More Information
April 22-26, 2007 Grapevine, Texas
Presented by ISACA, CACS is the leading conference for IT audit, assurance, control, security and governance professionals. ISACA works together with ndustry leaders to develop a conference program that focuses on the complex needs of today's professional and provides solutions that address these needs from a practical perspective
More Information
April 28-May 3, 2007 San Jose, California
CHI is the premiere conference in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Every year, it is a venue for 2000 HCI professionals, academics, and students to discuss HCI issues and research and make lasting connections in the HCI community. In addition, 40-50 industry exhibitors attend CHI to showcase their user experience products and departments and to recruit professionals to enhance their business.
More Information
April 28-May 3, 2007 New York, NY
FutureNet is the evolution of MPLScon from a stand-alone conference on MPLS and VPN technology to an enhanced and expanded conference and expo focusing on next generation networks and technologies. FutureNet consists of tutorials, standards discussions, case studies and vendor presentations.
More Information
April 24 - 26, 2006 Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada
The LWNW exposition provides therapeutic contact with some of the world’s leading technology companies. Their specialists will take you through systematic demonstrations, allowing you to experience an array of network and Open Source applications and solutions.
More Information
Add an event to our calendar.
I hope you enjoyed this Automation Software update. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the content in this e-newsletter or on Automation.com, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Rick Zabel
Vice President, Publisher
Automation.com
For editorial and advertising inquiries, please contact Rick Zabel or see our Media Kit.
For recruiting and contract staffing services, please visit www.automationtechies.com.