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SPS IPC Drives 2013 exclusive show report
Published:  06 January, 2014

with different access rights. Up to 25 operator pages, each with 250 elements, can be created.

Eplan has a new version of its Engineering Centre One (EEC One) software for the automated creation of electrical and fluid power schematics which, it claims, can cut engineering times dramatically. The software, which uses the Excel environment, can access Eplan’s parts database directly. It is available in 17 languages and a new function provides access to the Eplan dictionary.

The US software developer Iconics announced an HMI/Scada client app for Apple, Google, and Microsoft smartphones and tablets. The MobileHMI visualisation app (below) provides real-time access to critical plant data and offers preconfigured templates and the ability to target specific devices. A patented configuration technology delivers secure visualisation to Windows 8 and HTML5-enabled devices. Iconics was also demonstrating the latest version (10.8) of its 64-bit Genesis64 HMI/Scada software platform, which now has OPC Foundation certification.

The Welsh drives developer Invertek launched a free iOS and Android app that allows users to estimate the potential savings – in energy, money and CO2 – that can be achieved by using its Optidrive VSDs to control fans or pumps in HVAC applications. The Energy Savings Calculator app is based on an existing online calculator.

Lenze has developed an “application template” that provides structures – such as error handling and machine state information – that users can assemble like bricks to create machine modules that are easy to understand and can be re-used. Lenze offers a library of standard modules for depicting machine functions such as feeding, unwinding, sealing and discharging.

At SPS, Mitsubishi was presenting the third generation of its Maps (Mitsubishi Adroit Process Suite) HMI/Scada lifecycle management software, designed to be used during both the engineering and integration phases of a project. V3.0 of the suite allows Mitsubishi’s GX Works2 PLC programming software to be integrated for the first time, cutting development and configuration times, and allowing PLC libraries to be re-used. The suite can now be used on touchscreen devices.

New from Molex is an iOS app that helps users to find industrial communications products and offers product videos, access to datasheets, diagnostic tools and other resources. The free Industrial Communications (IC) app can be downloaded from the App Store.

Phoenix Contact is offering a software PLC for basic tasks such as datalogging and switching. The PC Worx SRT software combines control, visualisation and programming functions and can communicate with I/Os via Profinet, Modbus/TCP and TCP/IP. A built-in Web server is used for visualisation.

Rexroth is another manufacturer offering an app that works with its existing software – in this case, its IndraMotion for Handling package. The Android tablet app (shown in use, below) can be used to operate and diagnose machines. Rexroth is also allowing machine-builders and systems integrators to access more than 500 functions via its Open Core Interface and to write their own iOS and Android apps which will differentiate their systems from their rivals by providing customised user interfaces and visualisations.

The latest version of Rittal’s Power Engineering planning software (v6.1) allows users to plan, configure and document switchgear in accordance with the IEC 61439-1/-2 standard that comes into force later this year. The software guides the user step-by-step through the planning and configuration process. Drawings can be exported using standard CAD formats.

Rockwell Automation has enhanced its free Connected Components Accelerator Toolkit (CCAT) and Workbench software tools which help machine-builders to cut design times and costs. The tools integrate the machine-control development process, allowing builders to focus on proprietary features. CCAT now provides a bill of materials electronically, while the Workbench is used to program controllers, configure devices and design HMI screens.

Siemens was demonstrating version 13 of its TIA (Totally Integrated Automation) Portal engineering framework. There have been improvements to diagnostics and know-how protection, and functions to synchronise the collaboration of teams working on complex projects. Several of the tools within TIA Portal have also been enhanced.

And finally, Siemens has also added an optional WinCC/Performance Monitor package to its Simatic WinCC Scada software, allowing users to calculate and analyse plant-specific KPIs (key performance indicators) and thus to boost productivity.

The 2014 SPS IPC Drives show – the 25th in the series – will take place in Nuremberg from 25–27 November.