Electricity + Control May 2019

round up CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

Increasing access to cloud-based engineering solutions

to product catalogues of numerous component manufacturers. All the solutions anchored in the Eplan platform have equal access to this web service. The easy drag-and-drop transfer of components into the Eplan documentation reduces the time needed for engi- neering design and increases the quality and consistency of ma- chine and plant documentation. The cloud-based version of Eplan Cogineer will provide for sche- matics to be generated from a template library, directly from a browser. The advanced version offers additional functions such as the importing of configuration variables and value sets and re-use of sub-functions which make it easier to create models. Cloud-based solutions are an effective tool for advancing data and process standardisation. In engineering, this introduces new opportunities for process optimisation and increased quality at product and process levels. In time, all users will be working from the same uniform database – with the option to expand access across the supply chain. As a central location for exchanging rel- evant engineering data the cloud provides fast access, from any location. Enquiries: Johan Reyneke at EPLAN Software & Service. Tel. +27 (0)11 609 8294, or email Reyneke.J@eplan-software.co.za

Solutions provider Eplan, which offers a number of cloud-based systems, has expanded its Eplan eView to accommodate a range of solutions with which ECAD projects can be viewed, verified and commented on using a redlining workflow. With Eplan ePulse, the company is continuing on its course towards agile cloud develop- ment, in dialogue with customers and partners. Eplan ePulse is the foundation for a network of cloud-based systems that bring together data and projects, disciplines and en- gineers around the world. Through internet browsers, users can access applications that enhance the existing Eplan platform with new functions in the data-driven value chain. The open design of Eplan ePulse includes future plans to ensure availability in a variety of data formats and interfaces to systems from other providers. Sebastian Seitz, Chief Executive Officer at Eplan and Cideon says, “We’re using agile development methods for our cloud offer- ings and are keeping a close eye on our customers’ needs. Eplan ePulse serves as the connection within the supply chain between end customers, machine and plant suppliers, and component man- ufacturers in industrial production.” The project data stored in Eplan ePulse serves as both the sys- tem description for a company’s in-house manufacturing and cus- tomer documentation covering all aspects of the digital twin rele- vant to automation. “This allows our customers to rely 100 per cent on digital data,” says Seitz. In support of its development trajectory, Eplan has created a new unit, modelled as a think tank, to provide fresh impetus to the experi- mental solutions and creative possibilities discussed with customers and partners. In overview, with Eplan eView, engineering projects generated in the Eplan platform will be directly accessible in the cloud. This means that project data can be viewed anytime from anywhere. A redlining function allows for employees on the shop floor or in maintenance, for example, to add their suggestions for changes into the schematics. Eplan Data Portal is an established manufacturers’ library from which device data can be downloaded. It offers web-based access Emerson has announced its acquisition of KnowledgeNet™ (KNet) software from Tunisia-based Integration Objects. KNet’s analytics application software is designed to accelerate digital transforma- tion initiatives for process and hybrid industries. KNet is used to extract, clean, transform and analyse opera- tional and manufacturing data. Using libraries of advanced statis- tical and machine-learning algorithms, the software assimilates large quantities of diverse information technology (IT) and opera- tional technology (OT) data into actionable knowledge that drives real-time decisions to improve process and asset performance. Pat Fitzgerald, Vice President and General Manager of Emerson’s reliability solutions business, said, “Emerson has had a long-standing alliance with Integration Objects and has used KNet to solve complex operational challenges for its customers. We are excited to leverage KNet’s easy-to-use advanced analytics and au- tomated root cause identification to provide differentiated insights into plant operational health to improve uptime and performance.”

Eplan eView enables a continuous workflow between engineering and downstream processes such as production and maintenance.

Analytics application software supports digital transformation

KNet will be integrated with Emerson’s Plantweb™ digital eco- system, which helps customers deliver measurable business out- comes from digital initiatives. Combined with Emerson’s extensive Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) Library and consulting services, KNet will enhance the comprehensive analytics solutions Emerson offers to customers. Samy Achour, CEO and founder of Integration Objects, said, “Integration Objects is proud of KNet’s industry impact and we are excited to see the future of this unique software. The integration of KNet into Emerson’s Plantweb ecosystem will help companies improve their operations by making informed decisions with the latest real-time data and expert knowledge, and migrate from re- active to proactive operations.” Enquiries: Rob Smith, Sales Manager, South & East Africa Emerson Automation Solutions. Tel: +27 (0)11 451 3700, or email: Rob.Smith@emerson.com

Electricity + Control

MAY 2019

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