Integrated Machinery Safety webinar series - register now!

Learn how to build and use safer and more productive machines with Integrated Safety Solutions.

In this webinar series, Rockwell Automation will present an overview of the latest safety and automation technologies, application techniques and tools to help you further your knowledge when designing, implementing, maintaining and using machines with integrated safety.

The series of webinars will explore aspects of the design cycle, including:

• Overview of safety products and technologies
• Selecting the right Safety Functions
• Wiring and system configuration
• Tools to help integrate safety including:
• Safety Automation Builder
• SISTEMA and product libraries
• Integrating safety using Studio 5000 engineering environment

After each seminar, you will have the opportunity to access the safety functions, technologies and tools presented, to help you with your machinery safety challenges.

To find out more and to register, please click here. 

Your invaluable guide to IT/OT convergence

Industrial-IP have created a free six page book which gives you a guide to Network Fabric. The network fabric is the physical foundation that enables the convergence of information technology and operations technology into a single network infrastructure – including everything from switching, wireless, computing and storage systems as well as the connectivity, enclosures, pathways and cabling to all the automation and non-automation nodes across today's industrial plants. 

Changing industry demands means that plants must be armed with a reliable and robust network infrastructure for optimized productivity.

The eBook walks you through six chapters breaking down the foundation, value and implementation of a unified network fabric, along with case studies and resources for leveraging best practices throughout your operation.

Gain greater control of your business outcomes by harnessing the limitless potential of the Internet of Things by downloading this free eBook here.

For more information, contact your local Routeco office on 0370 607 1000 or email info@routeco.com

Assemblex Assembly frames

Ergonomics in enclosure assembly

Are your panel builders working in the most ergonomic and safest way possible?

When it comes to automation and rationalisation of processes throughout every stage of machining, assembly, wiring and testing of enclosures, we have the right ergonomic solution for you. 

Our Assemblex assembly frames are mobile, tiltable and depending on the version, height adjustable with a maximum mounting plate or enclosure size of 1900 mm x 1900 mm. All 3 types offer simple and variable fixing of mounting plates using quick release fasteners, are independent of mains power preventing the risk of running over power leads and take up minimal space when not in use.

There are also a range of optional extras from managing cables reels to installing the mounting plate inside the enclosure directly from the assembly frame preventing heavy lifting and encouraging a safe working environment.

For further information click here or email info@routeco.com

What to consider when starting your Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) journey – part two

Last week ProSoft Technology defined what the IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) is and we looked at some of the ways old-school automation engineers are making use of IIoT concepts. This week will give you the opportunity to learn more about the things to consider before your systems are IIoT ready to fit into this new world of connected machines.

Network Migration 

• While many of your field devices are likely already on a network, it is probably not an Internet Protocol-based network. 
• Not to worry! Gateway devices and in-rack protocol interfaces in your controller allow you to easily connect those older networks to the IP-based applications that need that device data. 

Cybersecurity 

• While the interoperability of the IIoT brings great benefits, it also opens up new risks that we need to address. 
• It is important to understand what equipment can be accessed by whom, what connections are necessary and not necessary, and how data that’s transmitted outside the boundaries of your organisation’s network is protected.

Effective Energy Management 

• A great place to start your IIoT journey is effective energy management. Energy costs such as electricity, compressed air, natural gas, water, and steam are no longer considered overhead.
• Typical savings when energy costs are optimised can be 5 percent to 15 percent.
• Think of the savings to your production line if you could move the data collected by these networks into your PLC, where it could be analysed and optimised.

Design Connectivity In 

• Network connectivity through cellular, WLAN, or wired Ethernet should be designed into your system when you can. 
• IIoT applications will continue to evolve and grow in the value they can deliver, so it makes sense to build Internet Protocol into your systems even if you’re not using IP-based networks for control. 
• Consider how wireless technologies can layer on top of your current network, or perhaps replace an older networking technology.

Start Small 

• Look for applications in your industry that make sense, and give them a try. 
• One of the best parts of the IIoT concept is its scalability – Internet-based applications can just as easily serve one deployment as one million. 

Get Help 

• Most importantly, work with vendors you can trust. When it comes to industrial networking, ProSoft Technology has been helping engineers get different equipment all talking the same language for more than 25 years. 
• They can help you navigate your IIoT course, from connecting older Modbus® and PROFIBUS® networks to enabling remote equipment connectivity via cellular networks

If you would like to arrange for one of our team of Automation Engineers to visit you to discuss your IIoT needs and what Routeco can do to assist you on this journey  contact us at info@routeco.com or speak to a member of staff at your local Routeco branch on 0370 607 1000.

The full whitepaper from ProSoft Technology can be found here.

Rethink what you should expect from your distributed control system

Today, process industry professionals face difficult challenges. How can we adhere to increasingly tighter compliance requirements while competing for market share in today’s globalised economy? How can we meet the continuous demand for new sources of productivity and margin growth while using the same automation approach and control system strategy we have been using for decades?

A modern Distributed Control System (DCS) is designed to help you address these challenges.

Integration of the DCS with the automation systems used in the balance of plant is often costly and engineering intensive. 

Maintaining multiple disparate automation systems is straining operations and support resources, restricting flexibility and responsiveness.

What is needed is a modern approach--one that delivers all of the core capabilities of a DCS to address the requirements of process control, but is built on contemporary technology that easily integrates with other automation systems, operators’ activities, and critical business systems. A modern DCS is built using plant-wide control technologies. Today, process control, discrete control, power control and safety control no longer have to be a choice of separate technologies. Today, manufacturers can choose to implement a plant-wide control system.  

Read a new whitepaper from Rockwell Automation on this subject by clicking here.

To discuss your control system requirements with one of our team of automation specialists please email info@routeco.com or call us on 0370 607 100 to book an appointment.

What to Consider When Starting Your Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Journey – part one

The term ‘Industrial Internet of Things’ or IIoT seems to be everywhere at the moment! But what does it actually mean?

ProSoft Technology define it as: “The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is about intelligent devices like overloads, photo eyes, variable frequency drives, or PLCs providing data that we use to make our processes more efficient.” 

ProSoft have also looked at some of the ways old-school automation engineers are making use of IIoT concepts to improve their operations, and what considerations all of us should keep in mind.

Remote Monitoring and Equipment Access

• In the old days, remote access meant installing a serial modem connected to a dedicated phone line, so the machines made remote access-capable were limited to the most critical operations.
• What’s changed in the IIoT world is the proliferation of wireless connectivity, especially cellular networks and wireless LAN. Now, all that data deemed not important enough to transmit can be made available from remote sites. 
• Remote access to industrial equipment has become more accessible for more people throughout the organisation
• Finally, machine builders and control engineers responsible for widely dispersed global operations can build reliable connectivity into their systems without the need for custom infrastructure and integration at the end site.
• For mobile equipment, access is available just about anywhere the equipment goes. This simplifies the design and maintenance of the system, and enables the machine OEM to build high-value applications that make use of an “always connected” machine.

Machine and Process Control

• IIoT technology is not just about cellular connections to remote machines. 
• Major automation vendors like Rockwell Automation have been offering industrial Ethernet connectivity for PLCs and related devices for more than a decade. Industrial Ethernet protocols like ODVA’s EtherNet/IPTM provide the kind of performance required for automation systems, while also enabling interoperability with the massive Internet Protocol-based network infrastructure found in virtually every organisation. 
• Today’s automation engineers are taking advantage of the Internet Protocol-based industrial technologies to design more reliable networks for moving equipment. 
• Wireless LAN products designed for the harsh industrial environment and optimised to handle protocols like EtherNet/IP allow engineers to eliminate the cost and downtime of frayed cables, yet still take advantage of high data rates and application-specific requirements like machine safety and time synchronisation.

Asset Mobility

• One area of automation where IIoT technology is creating new opportunities involves taking the network connection anywhere in the plant. 
• Old systems offered only so many places to “plug in.” 
• Automation systems are now benefiting from the same “network everywhere” mindset as our home and office environment. 
• Using industrial hotspots, control engineers can connect to the automation system easily from anywhere in the plant. The same wireless network allows maintenance applications running on smart phones or tablets to access and update equipment records, capture and store photos, and even help maintenance technicians troubleshoot machines. Operators and supervisors can view the status of a machine from anywhere, and even control the machine.

Next week in Part Two: Things to consider about how your system can fit into this new world of connected machines. Make sure you’re subscribed to our blog and the part two will go straight into your email inbox. In the meantime, please email info@routeco.com if you require more information. The full whitepaper from ProSoft Technology can be found here.

GracePorts help to reduce time and increase safety

Grace Engineered Products is the leading innovator of through-door electrical safety devices, and ships products all over the world. GracePort, their brand of PLC ports, has revolutionised the automation industry by allowing customers to custom-design their port to meet their specific needs.

Designed to mount on the outside of a control panel, the configurable GracePort can be ordered with unlimited combinations of outlets, data interfaces, and customer logos and text to meet customer requirements and configurations can be selected via the GracePort website here.

As a Grace stockist and supply partner for the UK market, Routeco now have available from stock, the popular UK Mains Socket & Ethernet Port Combination GracePort product.

To check price and availability and to order online on our website please click here.

EPLAN’s software engineering solutions - Power for electrical engineering

EPLAN Electric P8 will enhance your efficiency in designing, documenting and managing the automation projects for your machinery and plant.

The EPLAN Platform integrates all relevant disciplines in the development and design process. Interdisciplinary working becomes reality thanks to the many different functions and the direct connection to fluid power, electrical instrumentation, control engineering and control cabinet engineering.

For more information please click here to download the pdf.

For further information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Routeco safety specialists visit Johnson Matthey in Royston

On a beautiful sunny Tuesday lunch time last week, Routeco visited Johnson Matthey with Rockwell Automation’s safety product demonstration vehicle.

This gave members of Johnson Matthey’s constant improvement, lean manufacturing, projects and IT teams the opportunity to view the latest Rockwell Automation technology and solutions in the safety market.

Subjects on the day included new safety products, new safety solutions, PLC safety, and discussions with specialists about safety applications and the latest regulations and legislations.

The Rockwell Automation Safety Bus is currently on tour across the country – if you are interested in attending and want to find out more, please email: info@routeco.com

Rockwell Automation’s Product Demonstration Vehicle visits Routeco Dartford

The Rockwell Automation Product Demonstration Vehicle is touring the UK throughout July and will be at our Dartford branch on Monday 6th July. It is packed full of the latest automation products available, with working demonstrations of how the products can be integrated together to give effective solutions.

It’s a great opportunity for you to come and see the range and discuss your applications with us. 

The systems on the bus include the latest HMIs, PLCs, Drives with built-in safety, light curtains and safety switches.

Our Routeco safety specialist Kevin Kirby will also be on board if you have any safety related questions.

We hope you are able to spare some time during the day to come and visit us and get some ideas for updating or improving your manufacturing processes and  machines.

Address: Routeco Ltd, Unit 4, Orbital One, Green Street, Green Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1QG

Date: Monday 6th July, 10:00 - 16:00

If you are able to attend, please email: techworkshop@routeco.com

EPLAN Pro Panel: virtual enclosure layout in 3D

EPLAN Pro Panel is a switchgear solution for the 3D engineering of control cabinets and switchgear systems. 

The software supports the 3D assembly for the fluid and electrical configuration of control cabinets and provides virtual wiring and 3D data for wire assembly and production machinery, in addition to 3D power distribution and copper rail configuration. 

The EPLAN platform simultaneously connects control configuration with the 3D control cabinet assembly information, providing a consistent data exchange to enhance project quality and accelerate the speed and ease of engineering design.  

The benefits of using EPLAN Pro Panel include:

                  

Safe planning

• Ability to align components and position them exactly
• Fitting regulations and minimum distances based on manufacturer requirements are taken into consideration as are the correct positioning of equipment, wiring ducts and support rails

Flexible layout

• Using the electro-technical circuit diagram, the EPLAN Pro Panel calculates the optimum wiring routes wires and cables, including checking how full the wire ducts are
• Automatic length calculation allows you to increase your productivity

Quick start

• A range of options available for accessing device data including 3D geometry whether it’s from the EPLAN Data Portal or via the built in STEP interface, directly from the component manufacturer or data CDs from any 3D CAD programme 

Consistency for lively exchange

• The EPLAN Platform connects electrical engineering and 3D mounting layout directly with one another 
• No more time lost thanks to redundant data, manual data transfer, synchronisation, consistency checks and maintaining parts list information

Top class workflow optimisation

• A consistent product development process makes your work easier: redundant data storage, multiple data entry and time-consuming reverse engineering all become things of the past

Directly into (NC) production

• EPLAN Pro Panel provides information on the mechanical processing of mounting plates, doors or entire cabinet casing
• At the touch of a button, you can produce production-related information on drill holes, threads or openings and make this available directly to your NC processing machine 

Wiring made easy

• Whether assembly is manual or automated, all the information required for cable assembly is provided
• Data is output in neutral or machine-specific format, so you can connect standard cable assembly machines and provide information for specialist suppliers

Added value at a glance

• EPLAN Pro Panel offers perfect consistency and optimum configuration support as well as top-notch production integration

For more information or to discuss your design software requirements with one of our account managers please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Spaces still available on our Tech Workshop in Leeds

On Thursday 25th June, 10:00 - 14:00 Routeco Leeds and Hardy are holding a Process Weighing Technology and Trends workshop. 

             

Do you use weight to monitor, measure or control your manufacturing processes? Do you want to learn new ways to integrate weight readings into your PLC, PAC, or DCS? Do you have questions about fine tuning weighing systems?

See first-hand the latest weighing technology, learn best practices, and ask the experts about all aspects of process weighing.

This workshop will give you the opportunity to review the latest technology and Load cells, instrumentation, PLC integrated solutions and modular weighing systems will all be covered during the workshop.

Key topics will include:

•   Automated calibration
•  Vibration elimination filters
•  Remote access to instruments over Ethernet TCP/IP from a web browser
•  Process Weighing best practices
•  Integration of Hardy products into Rockwell Automation control systems

The workshop will be led by Carlos Moya of Hardy Process Solutions and supported by Routeco's Automation Specialists who will also be available after the workshop to discuss your individual projects and applications, should you require any further assistance.

The good news is that there are still places on this free workshop! 

To reserve your place or for any enquiries:

email techworkshop@routeco.com

Venue: Routeco, Unit 7, Shawcross Court, NR Leeds, WF12 7RF

When: Thursday 25th June, 10:00 - 14:00, with lunch provided

For more information please contact us on 0370 607 1001 or visit our website at www.routeco.com

GracePorts help to reduce time and increase safety

Grace Engineered Products is the leading innovator of through-door electrical safety devices, and ships products all over the world. GracePort, their brand of PLC ports, has revolutionised the automation industry by allowing customers to custom-design their port to meet their specific needs.

Designed to mount on the outside of a control panel, the configurable GracePort can be ordered with unlimited combinations of outlets, data interfaces, and customer logos and text to meet customer requirements and configurations can be selected via the GracePort website here.

As a Grace stockist and supply partner for the UK market, Routeco now have available from stock, the popular UK Mains Socket & Ethernet Port Combination GracePort product.

To check price and availability and to order online on our website please click here.

Have you seen our YouTube videos?

We’ve started producing more video content for you to enjoy and learn more about the services we offer.

Why not take a few minutes out of your day and watch our two most recent videos from our YouTube channel?

First, familiarise yourself with Routeco and our staff by watching our ‘Welcome to Routeco’ video. This will give you an insight into who we are and what we stand for.

In our second video, Routeco’s Automation Product Specialist Robert Stebbings demonstrates some of the Hardy Process Solutions portfolio. The range includes in-chassis modules for the Rockwell Automation ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs and a low cost plug-in module for the Micro800 Range.

Don’t forget, you can also subscribe to our YouTube channel which means you’ll be able to see our videos as they go live. We’re working on more exciting new video content, so make sure you stay up to date!

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Rockwell Automation Technical Workshops

Traditional control systems can require separate control structures for each part of the application but using Rockwell Automation's Integrated Architecture, control systems are connected, scaleable and information enabled, simplifying maintenance, reducing design and implementation times and providing a seamless and secure connection to other business systems.

The Technical Workshop series provides engineers with the opportunity to develop an understanding of Rockwell Automation's Logix control platform through hands-on exercises using PACs, Variable Speed Drives, Remote I/O, Motion Controllers, HMI, Safety and Ethernet/IP products.

This is your opportunity to discuss any aspect of automation face-to-face. Whether you have a simple “How-to” question, or need a detailed discussion around your next project, Rockwell Automation Specialists will be on hand to provide answers and application experience.

Workshops are being held in Cheshire and Milton Keynes during May 2015:
Sandbach: 

• 6th May 2015
• 13th May 2015 (**SOLD OUT**)

Kiln Farm: 

• 20th May 2015
• 27th May 2015 (**SOLD OUT**)

Please click here which will take you to the registration page where you can sign up online.

Each workshop has a maximum of 10 seats so enroll early to avoid disappointment.

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Extend your Ethernet/IP to hard-to-reach places with the new Stratix 5100

The New Allen-Bradley Stratix 5100 can function as a Wireless Access Point (WAP) or a Work Group Bridge (WGB), in both autonomous and unified networks. By providing connectivity in hard-to-wire and remotely accessible areas, the Stratix 5100 can increase productivity and efficiency on the plant floor. The Stratix 5100 is completely self-directing (autonomous) and does not require a Wireless LAN controller. 

Using the Stratix 5100 as a WGB allows you to connect up to 19 IP addresses, while providing wireless connectivity to wired clients that are connected using TCP/IP like Ethernet/IP. This design flexibility makes accessing critical production data easier in a network with multiple remotely accessible devices, helping reduce design time and operational costs when integrating machines and equipment into the industrial control network.

Key Benefits: 

• Same device can be used as a Wireless Access Point (autonomous) or Work Group Bridge (autonomous or a Cisco Unified network)
• Up to 19 IP addresses can be connected via Stratix 5100 in Work Group Bridge mode
• Device pre-programmed with default configuration for priority handling of EtherNet/IP and kit includes Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO) antennas, External power supply and Universal mounting bracket. 
• Cisco IOS for performance with Device Manager and CLI configuration options
• Premier Integration to the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture® system
• FactoryTalk® View & AOI Faceplate for status monitoring and alarming 
• Meets widely adopted IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n standards

The Stratix 5100 1783-WAPEK9 is suitable in the European Union (other regional versions are available) and is available on our website.

Further product specifications can be found here.

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Down to the wire - building a resilient network infrastructure

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a trending topic in the technology world. The Internet of Things can be defined as the connection and interaction of objects to the Internet or networks. 

With the Internet of Things increasingly broadening the production space to connect Operations Technology (OT) with Information Technology (IT), it's never been more important to build a highly resilient network infrastructure, as this article from Panduit outlines.

The article also includes tips on how to begin implementing the Internet of Things including assessment steps for manufacturers to undertake to understand their bandwidth and cable requirements. 

To read more, please click the link:

http://www.controlsdrivesautomation.com/page_568773.asp? 

How do you think IoT will affect you? Do you think it will create the business opportunities (to the value of $3.8 trillion for the manufacturing industry) Panduit expect? Let us know your thoughts below. 

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com