Major enhancements to Rockwell Automation’s integrated architecture system have helped manufacturers and machine builders worldwide to optimise their plants and machines. The top ten innovations include:

A new midrange control platform for high performance in small applications
The Integrated Architecture portfolio has significantly expanded for smaller applications with a series of scalable Allen-Bradley CompactLogix programmable automation controllers (PACs), servo drives, I/O, visualisation and simplification tools.

Simplify network architecture with one standard network
Turning to Ethernet/IP, the world’s leading open industrial Ethernet network, to handle the widest range of applications, including discrete, safety, motion, process and drive control. Ethernet/IP provides manufacturers with a simple, yet robust communications platform – enabling users to effectively manage real-time control and information flow at machine-level and throughout the entire manufacturing and IT enterprise.

EtherNet/IP enhances machine builder performance
Instead of using a dedicated network for each application, like motion, safety, I/O and information, machine builders are turning to Ethernet/IP to simplify their network architecture and use a single network technology. This helps machine builders streamline design and development, build IT-friendly equipment and provide value-added remote monitoring capabilities.

High availability is easier and simpler
Rockwell Automation has expanded its high availability offering to help end users achieve end-to-end fault tolerance in critical control applications. The new capabilities include redundant I/O, alarm and event server redundancy, network resiliency and faster controller cross-loading. This expansion is ideally suited for manufacturers in the oil and gas, power and heavy process industries that need to minimise unscheduled downtime that can jeopardise worker safety, damage equipment, harm the environment and prevent meeting key performance indicators.

Enhanced mechatronics enable better collaboration
Motion Analyser software helps mechanical, electrical and controls engineers collaborate on machine design, decreasing the risk inherent to design changes.

New tools help manufacturers upgrade control platforms
Rockwell Automation has broadened its migrations portfolio to include an Installed Base Evaluation tool with Lifecycle Analysis. This tool assesses risks by identifying product obsolescence and provides actionable intelligence to help make data-driven decisions about conversion enablers. In addition, the StepForward Programme offers a comprehensive set of tools to facilitate a phased approach to migrations, including conversion and selection tools, as well as consultation, planning and training services.

Guidance on security best practices
Rockwell Automation and Cisco regularly work with manufacturers to assess their vulnerabilities and create a customised, comprehensive security programme that addresses the plant-wide infrastructure. Leveraging best-practice-based security policies and advanced technologies helps reduce risk and protect manufacturing assets.

New integrated drive-motor reduces footprint and simplifies cabling
The new Kinetix 6000M integrated drive/motor does both by merging the high-performance Allen-Bradley MP-Series servo motor and Kinetix 6000 servo drive technologies into a compact package. This provides significant space savings and helps simplify servo system cabling.

A glimpse into the future of real-time information
Rockwell Automation will be making its Allen-Bradley PanelView 5000 electronic operator interface product lines available in the second half of 2012. These new lines will provide machine builders and end users with a new level of integration with the latest Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 5570 and CompactLogix 5370 controllers – including run-time data logging in the controller.