2012 - PageSuite

aUTOMaTIONSOLUTIONS
Continued from pg. 75
Using apps for monitoring
and control
A different approach for using Smartphones
and handheld devices to monitor
and control operations remotely
involves the use of apps specifically
designed for these devices. Extremely
economical, with some costing as little
as five dollars, Smartphone apps can be
an optimal method for accessing data.
Some of these apps may offer the ability
to view and control operations as if the
user were in the control room in front of
the HMI screen. However, as with the
VPN/Web browser combination, care
must be taken.
To create fully
functioning remote
monitoring apps for
Smartphones, developers
must increase
hardware, software,
and protocol performance
levels to
reduce the latencies
that can occur over
remote connections.
If not, users can
become frustrated
by slow or poor performance.
To optimize
performance,
developers must also
reduce the amount of
data transfer from the
automation components,
typically HMIs and controllers.
When done correctly, using an app
to access data via a Smartphone can
be very cost-effective and reliable. Joel
Froese, owner/operator of the Red Bank
Hydro Plant in Columbia, S.C., uses
his Smartphone for remote access as
depicted in Image 2. “I can access data
anytime and anywhere to ensure I have
optimal operating conditions. I can start
or stop the plant just as if I were standing
in front of the HMI. The screens
are scaled correctly, safety features are
included, and I can quickly access the
data I need.”
Not only is app access often superior
in terms of performance, but it’s
also easier to load. Browser access via
a Smartphone requires a user to load
up the browser, then enter the address
Everyday, more companies
are using mobile devices
to cut costs and to communicate
information
economically and quickly.
While many manufacturers
are enabling remote
access via Smartphones
and other handheld devices,
implementation isn’t
quite as simple as checking
e-mail online.
and wait for a screen to load. By contrast,
app access is much quicker and
requires fewer steps. Finally, app access
typically requires much less IT support
than VPN/Web browser remote access.
Security issues
Just as with implementing a wireless
remote monitoring system, new security
measures must be implemented when
accessing sensitive data via a Smartphone
or handheld device. Regardless of
whether a Web browser or Smartphone
app is used, remote access must be protected
from unauthorized personnel, and
access levels must be controlled.
Methods and technologies exist to
make remote wireless
connections more
secure. These security
measures are similar
to those used for other
wireless communications:
encryption,
password authorization,
and device identification.
The required security
settings and procedures
can be too
time-consuming or
difficult for some
plant managers and
control engineers.
To alleviate this
situation, neophyte
users should select
a company that provides a high level
of service, and has a deep understanding
of both the security requirements
and the technologies needed
to make access via handheld devices
feasible and smart.
Not every manufacturing plant will
employ the same remote monitoring
systems, as each system has its own
pros and cons, and as each plant has
different needs. But regardless of the
type of access used, remote monitoring
will become more the norm as technologies
advance and as the need to
accomplish more with fewer resources
continues. P E
Greg Philbrook is HMI/Communications
product manager for Automation-
Direct.
input #40 at www.plantengineering.com/information
86 • November 2012 plant engineering www.plantengineering.com