Rockwell Automation Launches Web-HMI

In the same way that 7.5 million sports fans used Internet-capable devices to get up-to-the-second video and data streaming about their favorite teams during the 2008 Summer Olympics, manufacturers now can remotely monitor the plant-floor operations status using FactoryTalk ViewPoint software from Rockwell Automation. FactoryTalk ViewPoint software is one of the first commercially available, thin-client applications for manufacturing built using the new Microsoft Silverlight technology. The initial release extends visualization and real-time decision capabilities beyond FactoryTalk View  clients to browser-based remote users.

FactoryTalk ViewPoint software supports fully scalable and animated Web displays of existing FactoryTalk View Site Edition (SE) visualization software and Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus applications from the office, home or on the road via any Internet browser. While the initial release is Internet Explorer (IE) compatible, additional browser and device support is planned. IE’s active hyperlinks and the navigational functionality deliver an interactive experience in addition to typical browser functionality such as favourites, and forward and back navigation buttons. 
 
“Mobility is increasingly important to manufacturers, creating a demand for access to FactoryTalk View applications from different devices,” said Mark Hobbs, product manager, Rockwell Automation. “FactoryTalk ViewPoint software allows managers, OEMs and system integrators to view and manage their production operations using nothing more than a Web browser from many compatible platforms.”