Industrial tablets and touch panel computers

The new line of integrated hardware, software and services from Wonderware combines hardware with InTouch 8.0 human-machine interface (HMI) software, plant communications capabilities and support services. These new offerings enable a consistent plant intelligence software solution across a broad spectrum of industrial applications.

InTouch 8.0 software is part of the FactorySuite A2 ("A-squared") product series, which provides plant-wide solutions based on the ArchestrA industrial automation and information software architecture from Invensys.

The Wonderware industrial tablets and touch panel computers are ready to function out of the box. The open PC platforms are pre-integrated with InTouch and communications software, so no additional software installation is required.

The Wonderware industrial tablets and touch panel computers enable customers to use Wonderware's InTouch software which can minimise time and expense for operator training, IT software administration and management, and vendor costs.

The full functionality of InTouch software on Wonderware industrial tablets and touch panel computers can be used to provide visualisation and control in many automation scenarios previously serviced only by closed "dumb" terminals.

Proprietary, stand-alone hardware terminals can now be replaced with networked PC-based HMI applications that are fully connected to supervisory control and plant intelligence operations.

The Wonderware industrial tablets, integrated with InTouch software, facilitate mobile information management. Engineers and operators are no longer tied to a single station or desk to perform their duties throughout the plant.

The InTouch software resident in Wonderware industrial tablets integrates Microsoft Windows XP tablet PC edition operating system features such as inking and annotation.

Inking enables customers to write values into data links in their own handwriting, which can save time for people who will use an industrial tablet computer as a mobile data collection station.

Annotation enables users mark up a graphical display with pens and highlighters. By making notes directly on HMI displays, users can quickly and precisely communicate areas of concern or interest, allowing for quick resolution of production inefficiencies.

In addition, Wonderware industrial tablets come standard with wireless capabilities. Users can communicate directly with the wireless-enabled supervisory control systems while travelling to different locations.

Wireless access is achieved through a virtual private network designed to provide tight security for all communications and operations.

Several docking station options also are available so that customers can use industrial tablets in a variety of conditions and environments.

Wonderware touch panel computers allow use of a PC-based InTouch HMI without limiting the user to a closed proprietary terminal.

The I/O and system-communication capabilities of the Wonderware software can unlock real-time information from connected plant equipment. The touch panel computer's display has been designed for use in industrial environments and offers an open, modular design for flexibility and versatility.

The computers can be easily customised to meet a variety of requirements and expanded through quick connections and disconnections of the display from the computer.

In addition, Wonderware touch panel computers offer support for both Microsoft Windows XP Professional and XP Embedded operating systems.

The computers have more memory and faster processor speeds than comparable proprietary units on the market.

InTouch software provides visualisation for plant-centric, operator-centric manufacturing information systems in which information is shared within and between plants.

The InTouch HMI is suitable for a variety of vertical markets, including food processing, oil and gas, electronics, automotive, chemical, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, transportation and utilities.

Engineers and operators who are already familiar with InTouch software do not need further software training and first-time customers have found the system easy to use.

The new Wonderware industrial tablets and touch panel computers can also access existing InTouch software applications without additional engineering modifications.

Because Wonderware industrial tablets and touch panel computers feature an InTouch runtime environment, users can easily standardise and distribute applications based on the InTouch HMI throughout a facility. This will save time and money because they will only need to learn and maintain one software system.