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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 <strong>2012</strong> plant engineering www.plantengineering.com
WHERE SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS CONNECT ProMat 2013 is the must-attend event in the manufacturing and supply chain industry. From January 21-24, 2013, leading innovators will showcase solutions that will open a world of possibilities to: • Streamline operations and improve visibility • Maximize efficiency and flexibility • Cut costs and increase profitability • Speed time to market • Reduce your carbon footprint ProMat 2013 Keynote Speaker Steve Forbes Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, Forbes Media Navigating the New Political Climate for Business Growth and Success REGISTER TODAY For free admission, visit www.ProMatShow.com input #41 at www.plantengineering.com/information Sponsored by: Collocated with ProMat 2013 Find us on: Scan this QR code to register.
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71 Remote monitoring 81 Rugged flex
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Ensure that your equipment is safeg
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What’s INside November 2012 Volum
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PlantEngineering.com 1111 W. 22nd S
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Machining without Coolant! Watch Th
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INFOCUS Get Skills to Work formed t
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You Have Big Ideas We Have a Big Ca
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GE Energy I prom se - Vishal Bansal
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© 2012 Siemens Industry, Inc. Shif
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YOU HAVE TO LOWER OPERATING COSTS.
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quality addresses all these market
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Quick change artist Insulating is a
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INPRACTICE Make your plant floor ti
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TWO GREAT COMPANIES. ONE BRIGHT FUT
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Maximize Uptime and Profits Through
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2012 Finalists If innovation is one
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Panel wiring system solution The Sm
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Compact gearhead The Nexen Harmonic
Page 37 and 38: Comfort panels The SIMATIC HMI Comf
Page 39 and 40: Compressed Air Air nozzle EXAIR’s
Page 41 and 42: Line of actuators The Tritex II dc
Page 43 and 44: Energy Management Device and data m
Page 45 and 46: Fluid Handling Fluid recycling solu
Page 47 and 48: Lighting Color-consistent LED Colum
Page 49 and 50: Maintenance Tools & Equipment Heavy
Page 51 and 52: Materials Handling Systems Air cast
Page 53 and 54: Power Transmission Operator safety
Page 55 and 56: Productivity Training Software Blen
Page 57 and 58: DS remote switch actuator The RSA-1
Page 59 and 60: Metal detectable components DETEX B
Page 61 and 62: Rescue kit The Miller QuickPick Res
Page 63 and 64: Product Index Company Product Categ
Page 65 and 66: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 2012 Yo
Page 67 and 68: 7000 SERIES LIFT TRUCK 2012 Raymond
Page 69 and 70: Ingersoll Rand has unleashed two pr
Page 71 and 72: The new Fluke 805 Vibration Meter i
Page 73 and 74: AUTOMATIONSOLUTIONS Courtesy: Autom
Page 75 and 76: [ MOTOR TRUTH #13 ] Are you into be
Page 77 and 78: ecording devices, and much more now
Page 79 and 80: Help reduce your energy costs with
Page 81 and 82: The Emerson logo is a trademark and
Page 83 and 84: MAINTENANCESOLUTIONS Courtesy: Hoff
Page 85 and 86: a simple solution, cable knock-outs
Page 87: polyester performs well in extreme
Page 91 and 92: MECHANICALSOLUTIONS Three oil conta
Page 93 and 94: Liquids Liquid contaminates are sim
Page 95 and 96: PRODUCTMART Plant Engineering’s e
Page 97 and 98: CONTACTS Advertiser Contacts for pl
Page 99 and 100: WHAT YOU ALWAYS WANTED Our customer
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