CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, OCTOBER 23, 2007 - To enable OEMs to be more effective in driving solutions for customers, GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, has included a wide range of unique features specifically designed for OEMs and their specialized needs in the recently announced Proficy HMI/SCADA - iFIX 4.5. These enhancements provide comprehensive monitoring, control and data management for companies worldwide.
This new version of the industry-leading visualization product provides a variety of OEM-specific features including the ability to build OEM brand awareness with their customers. By building their own brand, OEMs are also building customer loyalty and product recognition in their specific marketplace.
“In special cases, where OEMs use iFIX as a component of their own more complex offering, it becomes beneficial to rebrand iFIX, removing most of its identity and replacing it with a new brand,” said Tom Wood, Director of OEM Programs for GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms. “iFIX 4.5 offers special branding tools making this easier than ever before.”
Specific customizable features for OEMs include:
Custom splash screen that loads upon iFIX installation
Installation menu can also be customized to user requirements, adding or removing choices and launching additional CD content
Ability to create a CD with custom Install Options and a custom bitmap graphic; all installation questions are answered by a script and the setup.exe includes new command-line options
Customizable Directory Name where the software installs
Rebranding of iFIX application tools such as Workspace, Database Manager, Tag Group Editor
iFIX CD has been organized to cleanly accept additional content, typically application files or user utilities, enabling simultaneous installation with the program
In addition, iFIX 4.5 supports the remote management capabilities of Microsoft SMS (Systems Management Server). OEMs can now stop iFIX, install SIMs, restart iFIX remotely and automatically through the use of Microsoft SMS. GE Fanuc
“iFIX is available today, under many different product names, addressing vertical market needs around the world,” Wood continued. For example, Kwater, the Korea Water Resources Corporation, a water industry OEM that supplies domestic and industrial water to the nation’s major cities and industrial complexes, uses Proficy HMI/SCADA - iFIX as its main HMI/SCADA system for Water-K, the company’s hydroelectric power generation system. Kwater felt it was important for their users to see only the “Water-K” application name to reinforce the value of the solution being delivered to their customers.
“This level of branding is only available through our OEM Edge program,” he said. “These rebranding features are a tremendous benefit of OEM Edge.”
OEM Edge is an innovative program for OEMs that provides them with a significant edge to attract new customers and expand their existing base to grow their businesses. The global program includes integrated solutions and tools that give OEM partners a competitive differentiator in their marketplace to fuel machine growth and maximize profits.
About GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a joint venture between General Electric (NYSE:GE) and FANUC LTD of Japan, is a high-performance technology company and a global provider of hardware, software, services, expertise and experience in automation and embedded computing, with products employed in virtually every industry, including manufacturing automation, defense, automotive, telecommunications, healthcare and aerospace. GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms is a worldwide company, headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, and is part of GE Enterprise Solutions.
