Services and Supervisory Software Drive Worldwide HMI Software Market Growth

The worldwide Human Machine Interface (HMI) software and services market, which totaled over $926 million in 2007, will reach over $1,430 billion in 2012, outperforming the industrial automation market overall and growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 9.1% over the next five years, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study.

LowHMI software suppliers had their best regional development in Asia. However, North America and EMEA also experienced strong growth. The market growth was led by services and supervisory software. “HMI software suppliers are continuing to add services at an accelerated rate, driven by the end users’ and OEMs’ need for technical support, because manufacturers no longer have the personnel internally to provide the services,” according to ARC Research Director Craig Resnick, the principal author of ARC’s “Human Machine Interface Software Worldwide Outlook”. “Also, Supervisory HMI software, which is used to support HMI software functionality, such as configuration, runtime, connectivity, control, and alarm management, had the fastest growth of any HMI software type. Growth in this segment indicates how HMI software suppliers are expanding their application space and it represents the direction that the HMI software market is heading over the next five years.”

HMI Software Grows Along with the Process Industries
The common denominator for growth was the use of HMI software solutions tied to the increased use of PACs in the process and hybrid industries, led by oil & gas, water & wastewater, mining & metals, and electric power. The food & beverage industry maintains its leading industry position as the largest HMI software market. Windows XP was the fastest growing operating system in terms of revenue. However, Windows CE was the fastest growing operating system in terms of units.

PACs in Process Propel HMI Software Market Growth
PLC-based PACs and DCS-based PACs are being deployed at an increasing rate in the fast growing process industries and each of these PACs requires HMI software to best leverage their capabilities. Automation equipment, including PLC-based PACs equipped with HMI software, play an important role in sustainability initiatives as they help satisfy many “green” demands, including the visualization and control of AC drives, which saves energy. HMI software is used as digital dash-boards to show Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), such as Dynamic OEE for the entire enterprise and generates reports of actual performance versus targets. Overall operational performance is affected by maximizing the visualization of the HMI software through leveraging technology, such as 64-bit computing and operating systems designed for this hardware, such as Microsoft Vista or Server 2008.

Asia, Latin America, Windows CE Offer Strong Future
ARC predicts that the Asia and Latin America HMI software markets will be the fastest growing areas. North America and EMEA will be growing at a considerably slower rate. ARC believes that a significant amount of HMI software adoption has already taken place in these mature markets, especially in the North American and Western Europe automotive industries. Window Vista and Windows CE will be the fastest growing operating system in terms of units. This growth will be due to Windows CE continuing to replace proprietary software embedded in devices and Windows Vista overtaking Windows XP by the end of the forecast period.

For more information on this study, please visit our Market Research section.

FREQUENTIS smartStrips selected by NATS for their Centres Electronic Flight Data

Earlier this year NATS chose the Austrian based high tech company Frequentis as their preferred supplier for the Electronic Flight Data in NATS centres in Scotland and the Terminal Control Centre in Swanwick.

FREQUENTIS smartStrips selected by NATS for their Centres Electronic Flight DataThe British air navigation service provider has selected Frequentis to design, build, supply and install their smartStrips product, which uses the latest technology to replace paper flight strips. The implementation contract was signed on the 7th of August this year.

Frequentis smartStrips present current flight information in a familiar fashion. The appearance and the manipulation of the flight strips closely follow the use pattern for conventional paper strips. The combination of adherence to the established look and operating practice together with the computer-based operation provides the best-in-class solution. This was acknowledged by one of the worlds most demanding air navigation service providers, NATS, with their decision to use Frequentis product and together with the Viennese high-tech Company, build the worlds largest electronic flight strip system under the Electronic Flight data Display (EFD) project.

Increase in safety and efficiency

EFD, built on smartStrips, will increase safety and efficiency and reduce costs. It is characterised by its outstanding usability, the final design being worked out in close co-operation between NATS and Frequentis. The result will be an optimised solution for all controllers demands.

Safety is of utmost importance to the project and therefore safety standards have been extended smartStrips are now moving from SIL 2 (Safety Integrity Level 2) to the even more demanding AL3 (ED109). Additionally a new innovative fallback solution is developed, and its revolutionary principles are considered to be patented by Frequentis and NATS jointly.

NATS has chosen a core solution which is already successful in use around the globe for example, since November 2007 at the Christchurch International Airports Control Tower in New Zealand and decided to develop it a step further together with the usability and development expertise from Frequentis.

NATS Programme for User Interface Design and Development

The current success follows on from an earlier contract which Frequentis won in 2007, in which NATS decided to utilise the User Interface Centre of Frequentis for the User Interface Design and Development Programme for Future Air Traffic Tools. The first phase defining the scope of delivery and the second phase working on the Future Controller User Interface have now been completed.

Frequentis User Interface Centre

Frequentis realised the importance of optimising the working environment for mission-critical applications at an early stage, the User Interface Centre (UIC) was founded in 1986. This specialist area is dedicated to research and development on the Human Machine Interface. User Interfaces are tailored to meet the specific needs of individual target groups.

The contract award by NATS is another step for the UIC, towards becoming a leading consultant for user interfaces for safety relevant systems. Apart from the user interface design of all Frequentis products, the UIC has also performed consulting contracts for the German airline Lufthansa, Deutsche Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces), and Österreichisches Bundesheer (Austrian Armed Forces), to name but a few.

Another example of the in-depth expertise of UIC was the decision by the Metropolitan Police Authority, London, to award Frequentis as prime contractor, the delivery of an Integrated Communications Control System with large scale CCTV integration. Due to the innovative and intuitive usability design, training for the system was able to be reduced considerably, with a resultant saving in training costs.

Usability is an important quality factor in complex systems like ATM environments. In what can frequently be stressful working situations, an integrated display of relevant information is essential to provide the controller with decision-making support. Frequentis wants to perform in this outstanding NATS programme by following its UIC motto:

"Perfection [in design] is achieved not when there is nothing left to add, but rather when there is nothing left to take away." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery.


Source: FREQUENTIS

New Single-Pass Honing Machines Feature Most Accurate Spindle Alignment in the Industry to Produce Ultra-Precise Geometry in Part Bores

Spindle alignment exceeds DIN 8635 standards for vertical honing machines. Intuitive control interface and selectable feed profiles provide ultimate flexibility and ease of setup.

Sunnen is introducing the new VSS Series 2 Single Stroke Honing systems at IMTS, offering the most accurate spindle alignment in the industry combined with flexible, easy-to-use controls. Spindles on VSS-2 machines are factory aligned, independently, for precision centering of the spindles and tooling plate to produce better bore geometry than possible with machines that use an "average" alignment for all the spindles. Alignment accuracy exceeds DIN 8635 requirements for vertical honing machines. VSS-2 Series machines incorporate up to six spindles to progressively size and finish part bores with tools of preset diameter and grit size. The machines are ideal for precision sizing of bores 3.9-50 mm (0.149-2.0") diameter in stamped parts, hydraulic valve bodies, gears and sprockets, parking pawls, rocker arms, turbocharger housings and similar parts. Appropriate materials include cast iron, powdered metals, ceramic, glass graphite and other free-cutting materials.

The VSS-2 utilizes a belt-drive spindle cartridge with a 724 mm (28.5") stroke and 2-105 mm/sec (2-250 ipm) stroking speed for increased flexibility with a wide variety of parts and tooling combinations.

The servo-powered stroke system provides excellent crash protection and is hand-wheel-controlled for quick setting of vertical position.

The state-of-the-art, menu-driven PLC Control with human-machine interface (HMI) allows the column feed and spindle speed to be easily varied throughout the cycle. Operational flexibility is enhanced by the use of six available profiles, including pecking, short stroke and dwell, which are easily added to a setup. More than 100 setups can be stored. Additional I/O and memory are standard for ease of automation.

"The VSS Series 2 sets a new standard for single-pass bore sizing efficiency," said Phil Hanna, Sunnen's Product Manager for machines. "If a part is best suited for single-pass honing, the VSS-2 provides a level of precision not available in other designs. And, with the new touch screen control, this machine is very operator-friendly. No custom electronics or special training are needed and the control is designed to interface with part handling automation systems."

The VSS Series 2 is available in three models - the 84 (eight-station, four-spindle), the 86 (eight-station, 6-spindle) and the 64 (six-station, four-spindle) - to meet various mid- to high production needs. Spacing between spindles is 190 mm (7.48").

The 7.5 kW (10 hp) spindle drive provides a speed range of 100-2500 rpm. Removable, maintenance-free stainless steel guarding and electrical panel mounted to the rear of the machine allow easy access to the work envelope from either side of the machine to facilitate tool change or integration of custom part handling systems.

Built on the same platform as Sunnen's SV Series of honing machines, the VSS Series 2 machines are set on a rugged cast composite machine base for durability and vibration damping. A rigid cast iron, servo-fed column ensures consistent performance and accuracy.

When properly applied, Single Stroke� Honing is a quick, cost-effective method to get a precise bore size, geometry and surface finish. Parts made of cast iron, powdered metals, ceramic, glass, graphite and other free cutting materials- with L/D ratios up to 1:1 - are ideal for the process. Single-pass bore sizing is also appropriate for splined bores or longer L/D ratios if cross holes or other interruptions are present to allow chip flushing. Sunnen offers a range of single-pass plated-diamond tooling for the VSS-2 for precise, accurate and consistent bore sizing.

"Sunnen is the only company offering both conventional and single-pass bore sizing machines, so we can impartially provide the best solution based on the part being honed," said Hanna. "If a part is appropriate for single-pass honing, the VSS-2 delivers a value-priced, compact, customizable package."

Other standard features of the VSS-2 include an electric rotary index table and solid tool holder. Available options include floating or rigid/adjustable tool holders, 12- and 16-port programmable rotary air unions for index output, base coolant evacuation pump, automatic lubrication system, work area light kit, stack light, tool alignment indicator, spindle crash protection and tool protection.

Additional information on the VSS Series 2 Single Stroke Honing machine is available from Sunnen Products Company, 7910 Manchester Rd., St. Louis, MO 63143. Tel: 1-800-325-3670; fax: 314-781-2268 or email sales@sunnen.com.

SCADAPack 330 And SCADAPack 334 Controllers

Controllers offer the smallest footprint available in the new SCADAPack lineup .

Ottawa, Ontario - Control Microsystems, global developer of advanced SCADA products, announced the release of two new additions to the SCADAPack series of advanced controllers, the SCADAPack 330 and SCADAPack 334.

Based on the latest generation SCADAPack 300 series platform these new controllers continue to offer the same flexible I/O options as the original SCADAPack lineup. Additionally the SCADAPack 330/334 controllers are housed in the smallest footprint of the series, enabling compact mounting enclosures for applications where space is at a premium. And just like the existing 300 series controllers these units are programmed with TelePACE ladder logic, ISaGRAF (IEC61131-3) and C/C++, and support up to 32 independent C++ applications.

"We expect these products to be very popular in the marketplace", said Dale Symington, VP Product Strategy. "They are powerful, compact, and cost-effective with 32-bit processing, high speed LAN and advanced power-saving features. We are also really proud of the fact that the SCADAPack 300s are the first RTUs to offer the capability of data logging to USB mass storage devices."

The SCADAPack 330/334 is designed with power conservation in mind, making it a great choice for applications that require low power operation in tandem with a varied mix of analog and digital I/O and multiple communication ports. Compared to its predecessor the original SCADAPack, the 330/334 consumes up to 50% less power.

The single board SCADAPack 330 comes with 3 counter inputs (including two turbine meter inputs) and an internal analog input measuring incoming power supply voltage for solar applications. The SCADAPack 334 comes with a lower I/O board that offers an extra 16 digital inputs, 10 digital outputs, 8 analog inputs and 2 analog outputs. As with all SCADAPacks the products support the integration of any of Control Microsystems' Series 5000 I/O expansion modules.

The SCADAPack 330/334 uses industry-standard Modbus and DNP3 serial protocols as well as Modbus TCP and UDP-based Ethernet protocols.

These products are available for order today.

About Control Microsystems
Control Microsystems is a global supplier of automation products for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and is the world's largest, privately held SCADA products company. Founded in 1980 Control Microsystems leads the industry in the development and manufacture of innovative products including the SCADAPack advanced controller series, the SCADASense intelligent sensors series and the lineup of SCADAWave data radio products. The company also offers ClearSCADA, the state-of-the-art SCADA host system that provides open architecture for use in any application. All Control Microsystems products are engineered for installation in harsh, unattended environments and are used around the world in municipal water and wastewater automation, natural gas and crude oil production, gathering, and pipeline automation and a wide variety of other industrial automation applications.

SOURCE: Control Microsystems Inc.

Control Microsystems Announces The Unique Capability Of Data Logging To USB Mass Storage Devices

SCADAPack becomes the first RTU to offer removable memory expansion.

Ottawa, Ontario - Control Microsystems, global developer of advanced SCADA products, announced the industry's first use of USB storage devices for data logging in the demanding environments of SCADA applications.

Using removable USB storage such as Flash memory sticks, Control Microsystems' SCADAPack 300-Series controllers can now provide easily configured and accessible data logs using the alternate methods of logging to internal memory or to external mass storage devices.

"We are proud to offer the first RTU that provides walk-up SCADA to our customers", said Dale Symington, VP Product Strategy. "This product allows for quick and easy data import via a populated USB device that is connected to any PC running our SCADALog Data Converter utility".

In addition to logging data directly to a pre-connected USB mass storage device , this new feature also allows for automatic transfer of logged files from internal memory when a USB stick is inserted in the controller.

In systems requiring power efficiency, the USB port is powered-down and the data is first logged directly to controller RAM. Then at defined intervals the USB port is powered-up and the data is transferred to the memory stick automatically.

Support for data logging to USB mass storage devices is provided by the SCADAPack 330/334 and by the SCADAPack 350/357 with firmware upgrade to version 1.41. These features will be available on all such SCADAPack controllers shipped on or after July 10th, 2008.

About Control Microsystems
Control Microsystems is a global supplier of automation products for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and is the world's largest, privately held SCADA products company. Founded in 1980 Control Microsystems leads the industry in the development and manufacture of innovative products including the SCADAPack advanced controller series, the SCADASense intelligent sensors series and the lineup of SCADAWave data radio products. The company also offers ClearSCADA, the state-of-the-art SCADA host system that provides open architecture for use in any application. All Control Microsystems products are engineered for installation in harsh, unattended environments and are used around the world in municipal water and wastewater automation, natural gas and crude oil production, gathering, and pipeline automation and a wide variety of other industrial automation applications.

SOURCE: Control Microsystems Inc.

Connected Components Offering From Rockwell Automation Delivers a Simple, Affordable Control Solution for Machine Builders

MILWAUKEE.— Rockwell Automation has extended its control offering for machine builders with the launch of the Connected Components program, helping to meet today’s requirements for sophisticated control on stand-alone machines in an affordable, easier-to-implement solution.
Combining a simple, yet powerful controller with a full suite of compatible components and a dedicated set of class-leading application development tools, Connected Components from Rockwell Automation speed the time it takes for machine builders to identify the right control products needed for their specific applications.

“We recognize that machine builders are under pressure from their customers to reduce costs and shorten time to market. At the same time, they want to add sophistication to their machines,” said Paul Gieschen, marketing director for Components Products at Rockwell Automation. “Connected Components allows them to improve their machine design and performance, and spend less time engineering the control solution.”

The Connected Components program is built around a core of Allen-Bradley MicroLogix programmable logic controllers (PLCs), Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drives and the newly developed Allen-Bradley PanelView Component human-machine interface (HMI). The Connected Components Building Blocks make it quicker and easier to implement common control tasks as part of the machine design.

These Building Blocks include prewritten software code for the PLC that can be modified to help meet the precise needs of a given machine. Prewritten HMI programs also make setting up the operator interface easier, and preconfigured drive-parameter files can take the strain out of implementing speed-control tasks. The Building Blocks also help with product selection, panel layout and wiring diagrams written in CAD format, and generating a complete bill of materials for the project.

Complementing the controller, the Connected Components offering extends to a complete suite of Allen-Bradley starters, motors, pushbuttons, sensors, safety products, power supplies and other essential control components. Freed from the need to source different components from a number of companies to help meet their precise control requirements, machine builders can take advantage of a single-source supply of Allen-Bradley products from Rockwell Automation.

Rockwell Automation Inc. (NYSE: ROK) is a leading global provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage in their businesses. The company brings together leading global brands in industrial automation that includes Allen-Bradley controls and services, and Rockwell Software factory management software. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., the company employs about 20,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.

TrackerSuite.Net 2.0, a Consolidated Solution for IT and Professional Services Automation

June 8, 2008 -- TrackerSuite.Net Competes as a Single-Point Solution for IT Operations Management, with New, Integrated Modules for Help Desk, Assets, Projects, Time and Billing, and Business Intelligence

The Automation Centre software company (www.Acentre.com) has released the new version of its 100% Web based workflow application suite, TrackerSuite.Net 2.0 (www.TrackerSuite.Net) which includes two new modules, Support Tracker.Net, a Web based help desk, and Asset Tracker.Net, an asset management software solution. These applications integrate with existing applications for Projects, Time, Expense, Purchasing and Reporting, offering CIOs, IT Directors and Managers a single solution for improving the management of IT Operations.

The integrated nature of TrackerSuite.Net applications will allow IT departments to leverage these tools in unique ways. For example, they will be able to convert suitable support tickets into projects or tasks. Support tickets can be attached to assets, creating histories and facilitating help desk coverage.

A full overview of the way these modules integrate with each other to simplify IT operations management can be found at http://www.TrackerSuite.Net/IT.

"Our mission is to deliver solutions that not only answer the needs of customers, but empower them as well," says Steven Birchfield, president of Automation Centre. "The fact that we include source code with our product licensing is proof of that. With TrackerSuite.Net 2.0, companies can manage, track and measure their IT operations within a single solution instead of being forced to juggle a bunch of disconnected, inflexible systems. And if they want to customize their solution, they have the option of leveraging their own resources instead of contracting services from us. We even offer the option of hosting TrackerSuite.Net solutions."

Automation Centre offers an "Up and Running Guarantee" with TrackerSuite.Net, that TrackerSuite.Net can be fully installed and implemented within 45 days. For full details about the "Up and Running Guarantee", as well as more information about TrackerSuite.Net and its modules, contact Automation Centre at (520) 882-9287 or email info@Acentre.com.

Automation Centre also offers free access to a TrackerSuite.Net evaluation site, where visitors may make a hands-on evaluation of the TrackerSuite.Net modules. Visitors may register for immediate access to the evaluation site at www.TrackerSuite.Net/RFI.

Automation Centre
435 E. 9th Street
Tucson, AZ 85705
(520) 882 - 9287