May 7, 2018 — Rockwell Automation recently introduced their FactoryTalk Network Manager software. It allows users to monitor the health of their Allen-Bradley Stratix managed switches, troubleshoot switch issues and configure new managed switches all from one software interface.
With potentially hundreds if not thousands of devices in a large facility, users can get overwhelmed by the amount of information they need to manage. The FactoryTalk Network Manager software automatically discovers assets, their associated IP addresses, and creates a topology of these connected devices. The software’s interface offers grouping of equipment along with dashboard information, so users can organize devices into specific areas or analyze them individually.
The software also uses user-created configuration templates to get switches up and running. These templates can be shared across an organization, or with OEMs and system integrators to further ease network deployments, commissions and maintenance efforts.
The FactoryTalk Network Manager software provides role-based access control with auditing capabilities to help track user-specific activities and changes. The software supports multiple protocols, including Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), Modbus, BACnet and PROFINET. Access to the web-based platform is available via a personal computer in a control room or a mobile device on the plant floor.
As part of the Integrated Architecture system from Rockwell Automation, the FactoryTalk Network Manager software provides integration with the Stratix family of industrial network switches.
About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation is dedicated to industrial automation and information, making its customers more productive and the world more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Rockwell Automation employs approximately 22,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.