February 12, 2014 - ABB announces version 6 of the 800xA process control system. The 800xA system complements existing safety features with
- Use of the latest Microsoft operating system Windows MS 8.1 / server 2012 R2
- Easier system installation for optimized host rules and automatic setting of procedures for system hardening
- Digital code signing to ensure that the permitted code has been installed and is used
- Network switches in the 800xA reduce the cost of commissioning and increase plant safety.
The retrofitting of existing systems requires extensive planning and checks. So in the development of version 6 great importance was attached to developing tools and services in order to make it as straightforward as possible to switch over from an old system. This includes the 800xA system installation and upgrade tool for establishing node profiles, which enables an easier, centralized installation and faster restoration of the nodes while the system is being used. In addition, a "Customer Lab" is available, a service customers may use during system migration, which provides an initial check in a secure, virtual environment and in turn reduces the costs.
In addition to alarm management, advanced process control functions, video systems, safety functions, electrical integration, performance management and numerous other characteristics, 800xA also offers the following:
- Wireless routers enable the secure use of mobile clients, maintenance workstations and process controllers.
- New ways of visualizing, updating and analyzing data with the "800xA Collaboration Table", which allows key performance indicators (KPI) of the plant to be represented three-dimensionally.
- New long-term archiving improves the speed of data acquisition and the access to real-time data above the control system network level.
Moreover there is a new management platform for agnostic system information for an analysis for continuous improvement.
"Advances in technology have allowed for some amazing changes in how automation systems are deployed compared to five years ago," explains Gregor Kilian, Head of Sales and Marketing for Control Technologies, ABB Process Automation Germany, and he adds: "In addition to the virtualization of the entire 800xA system, the server performance has been increased up to the point where we are able to considerably reduce the number of devices required by our 800xA users and the users of other automation systems."
Improved operating efficiency based on an ergonomic control room design using the special features of 800xA to create an optimum work environment and boost the operators’ performance. In 2012, ABB Germany generated sales of EUR 3.57 billion with approximately 10,000 employees. ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers as well as wholesalers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 150,000 people.