Managing Automation's Product Scan is a round-up of some of the latest tools available to help you run your manufacturing business, from the shop floor to the top floor and beyond. Our new format better facilitates a connection to the TechMATCH product directories at ManagingAutomation.com, where you will find a wealth of information on the vendors relevant to your business as well as product and contact information that can jump start your technology selection process. You'll notice a link to ManagingAutomation.com associated with each of the product descriptions in this section — follow that connection for actionable information on the company and its products.
In addition, read this month's Directory Listings Update, a look at recent additions and updates to MA's TechMATCH directories.
RedPrairie Corp.Supply Chain Execution
RedPrairie Corp. has updated its Enterprise Visibility offering with new sourcing and recall capabilities that take into account transportation cost in addition to geography to help users select a sourcing location based on the least expensive option available. Updates to Enterprise Visibility also allow automatic re-sourcing of shorted orders, so that shipments can be fulfilled from alternate locations in case the original source becomes unviable. In addition, the new capabilities include functionality to expand the number of details available to effectively recall products at market. The software allows for component and finished goods tracking through the use of serial numbers, as well as kit and component-level inventory sales; in addition, finished goods can be tracked through RFID, with all data easily accessible and able to be organized via an updated visibility screen.
Tego Inc. High-Memory Passive RFID Tag
Tego Inc.’s first generation of high-memory, passive TegoTags can store intelligent data directly on an item without the need for battery power. According to the company, TegoTags can store more than 2,500 times the amount of data that is standard in the industry today, and last for more than 20 years. For example, Tego said, a single TegoTag attached to an aircraft part can hold its entire maintenance history, available for maintenance technicians who make repairs in the field or at remote airstrips. In addition, maintenance information on each tag can be shared across multiple organizations with separate databases. Information stored on the tags is transmitted wirelessly using standard reader equipment and suitable for use in a variety of settings by industrial and consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, shipping companies, and others.
Maple Systems Inc.Operator Interface
Maple Systems Inc. has three new wide-screen graphic operator interfaces offering visual clarity, crispness, and color to human machine interface (HMI) applications. The Silver Series Wide-screen operator interfaces come in three sizes: 4.3", 7" and 10", and, aside from offering more usable screen area, graphics are enhanced with a 32-bit RISC processor (200MHZ for 4.3" screen; 400MHz CPU for 7" and 10" screens); and up to 28MB of Flash memory, and 64MB of DRAM in the large screen models. In addition, Maple Systems’ EZware configuration software enables interface customization. The 4.3" widescreen, model HMI504T, is priced at $299 and has a 480 x 272-pixel resolution and includes pop-up windows and animation on a high-contrast touch-screen. The 7" high-definition model, dubbed, HMI5070TH, is priced at $695 and supports 800 x 480 pixels and a complete connectivity package with Ethernet, serial, and USB ports. The 10" version comes in two models, the HMI5100N, priced at $1,195, and the HMI5100T, priced at $1,295, which includes an Ethernet port. Maple Systems offers support for more than 100 different protocols (including Allen-Bradley and Modbus), and all three widescreen models come with a two-year warranty and full technical support.
think3 Inc.PLM System
CAD and PLM provider think3 Inc. has developed a Web-based product lifecycle management system that manages the CAD documentation, design processes, product maintenance, and human resources across the entire enterprise. Based on Web 2.0 technology, think3’s TD PLM product enables users to access a central database via Web clients from anywhere in the world without having to install other applications and with full security via a single sign-on (SSO) procedure. A task-driven graphical user interface (GUI) guides users through step-by-step PLM processes using simple Web pages. An administrative console for the power user centralizes configuration, personalization, and administrative tasks. In addition, TD PLM is designed for simultaneous use from anywhere in the world, and includes a user interface that can be customized with international settings for language, currency, time zone, and date. Each keyword or field can be translated into any language or alphabet.