PlantPAx DCS release empowers a converged workforce
New capabilities in Rockwell Automation modern DCS helps to digitally transform process control operations for increased plant-wide value
The latest release of the PlantPAx distributed control system (DCS) from Rockwell Automation, industrial producers can create smarter, more productive and protected operations.
The new system capabilities includes a more intuitive design and the ability to see contextualised information from plant assets. These improvements help digitally transform process control operations – helping to enable a Connected Enterprise with reduced time-to-market and a lower total cost of ownership.
“The PlantPAx DCS has long helped make connectivity possible through its alignment with scalable, plant-wide automation technology and use of open communication standards,” said Kris Dornan, PlantPAx Business Development Manager, Rockwell Automation.
“Now, Rockwell Automation is releasing capabilities that help process-control operations capture more value across the entire process plant.”
Smarter – this system release leverages enabling technologies to eliminate a complexity barrier for small to mid-sized operations seeking to implement a DCS. By consolidating servers into a single machine, applications can implement the full functionality of a modern DCS. This simplification, which can be used on virtual or physical machines, reduces engineering time, licenses and system footprint by up to 75%.
The modern DCS also features an expanded library that supports electrical protection devices, leveraging both EtherNet/IP and IEC-61850 standards. Connecting electrical functions with control extends plant-wide integration, resulting in better plant control. Also, new standard control panel offerings ease implementation for a lower risk startup.
More Productive – the system features an expanded library of process objects that improve human interactions with the process, including the handling of alarms and abnormal situations. Simplified faceplate design provides a more intuitive user experience that is easier for training and support. The library also features historian templates to optimise the display of event information with real-time and historical data.
Protected – with the PlantPAx DCS, users can now define access rights both by role and area, providing a new level of security through authentication and access privileges. The system release also expands network availability for I/O communications and extends the value of converged plant-wide architectures.
“The latest system release of our PlantPAx DCS contains features based on valuable input from process users and aligns with industry standards to deliver a smarter, more intuitive and protected system to a broad range of process industries,” said Jim Winter, Director, Global Process Business, Rockwell Automation.
“These innovations help companies leverage a modern DCS to more easily increase profits from plant-wide integration in a Connected Enterprise.”
