December 9, 2010 – Software Toolbox released Version 3.2.2 of FactoryWidgets software for viewing and monitoring manufacturing performance data on desktop computers by personnel anywhere in a company.The new release enhances the power of FactoryWidgets by adding a new Readerboard widget and expanding the supported platforms for desktop usage of FactoryWidgets. The Readerboard widget provides a cost-effective way to display data and information from control systems in a message board type display, similar to what is typically seen hanging above shop floors in the form of LED displays and other proprietary hardware.
In addition to the new Readerboard widget, FactoryWidgets can now be used on Windows 2008 and 2008 R2 desktops, which expands the universe of available desktops to include terminal services and remote desktop sessions.The 3.2.2 version is a free upgrade for current license holders with active support agreements and may be downloaded online at www.factorywidgets.com .FactoryWidgets is a product created by Apex Software Development, a unit of Boise, Idaho-based Apex Manufacturing Solutions, in response to client requests for simple, no-hassle and affordable mini-applications that display user-defined KPIs on desktop PCs without the need for “thick” client software or a browser.
They enable any personnel – even those who aren’t directly involved in production operations – to monitor activities that impact the work they’re doing. When used in conjunction with other products offered by Software Toolbox such as OPC DataHub, FactoryWidgets deliver data from SQL databases, Excel, Linux, DDE and many other data sources to user desktops. The FactoryWidgets product is sold and supported through Software Toolbox and its channel partners. The FactoryWidgets software is available for immediate Internet download or by shipment of physical CD media. Interested users may also opt for a 14-day, no-obligation free trial.
“With the new Readerboard and existing widgets, information can be shared with high performance plant floor teams in a more visually appealing form using off-the-shelf TV displays. This takes less work and can be done at a lower cost than a proprietary hardware solution, empowering those teams to make more rapid, informed decisions that can improve operational results,” said John Weber, Software Toolbox president.
“FactoryWidgets continues to fulfill the promise of Enterprise Manufacturing Intelligence (EMI) because the software can display data from multiple disparate data sources on the PC desktops of all users in a manufacturing company, from the shop floor to the top floor, at a very cost-effective price,” said John Nichols, Managing Director of APEX Software Development, developers of the FactoryWidgets software.
About Software Toolbox
Software Toolbox was founded in the Charlotte, NC, area in 1996 to be a primary source for industrial automation software – from project conception to completion – and is the place where clients turn to find, evaluate, purchase, and get support for automation software tools. Since then the company has served more than 10,000 clients in 110 countries worldwide with drivers, components, development tools and HMI/SCADA add-ins/enhancements – all backed by industry-leading technical support and consultation services.
