All Industrial Networks questions

• End-to-End Network Solution
  Do you know of any companies out there who deliver the end to end solution -- wireless network to sensor installation to data capture to a robust web display from multiple data sources -- fixed or mobile? If there isn't one company who does it all, what software companies do you know that can display data from any sensor, text file, and/or location device? If you know of any resource material on this subject, please let me know.

• What Is Fieldbus?
  I would like to know exactly what is fieldbus (is this cables or devices) and why we need them. Also, what is the difference between modbus and profibus?

• Building a Middle Level Architecture
  Hi, I am involved in project to implement an architecture for designing and installing a network and this network will bridge the business network (ERP, LIMS, CAPA, etc) with the manufacturing network(s). This middle network will allow the manufacturing network to be isolated from the business network, using firewalls, so that in case of worm or similar security issues; the manufacturing network can continue operating. The middle network would have historian servers to capture manufacturing data which would ultimately be available for plant manager to view manufacturing data in near real-time. My question is who might provide training? The training would ideally include validation concerns (pharma environment). Thank You.

• Actuator Support in a Multi-Protocol World
  Is it possible to fabricate any actuator for different kinds of networks or is necesary buy one for a specific manufacturer?

• Using Barcodes to Eliminate Mistakes
  Our organization is on the verge of implementing Epicore's Vista software. We are an electronics manufacturer using Fuji and Universal Instruments lines to assemble mixed technology, (surface mount & thru hole), products. In the heat of battle, it becomes extremly easy for machine operators to load a reel of 10,000 parts in the wrong location. We feel that using hand held bar-code scanners to scan the OEM bar-codes on these reels, in relationship with the feeder and feeder location on the machine to obtain a GO, NO-GO result, would alleviate, if not eliminate this problem. Can you steer us in the proper direction ???

• Untethered Process Control Networks
  What's the story on wireless networks for process control?

• Ethernet's Penetration
  When can we expect Ethernet to become the most popular fieldbus