Rockwell Automation announced the release of the FactoryTalk Historian Machine Edition (ME) v3.5 module, enabling off-chassis data collection from a modular historian for the first time. This release allows operators using Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix controllers to easily collect data from controllers and devices connected via the Ethernet network. Rockwell Automation will showcase the new module and software features at the OSIsoft User Conference in San Francisco April 28 to May 1.
A modular historian can be especially critical in operations that require data collection in remote or hazardous locations, and when speed and reliability is crucial, such as oil and gas, mining, pharmaceutical or water treatment applications. With the v3.5 update, each FactoryTalk Historian ME module is now more flexible and expandable with the ability to collect performance data by remotely connecting to controllers both on- and off-chassis. An intuitive auto-discover feature means the historian module recognizes controllers without additional or custom coding.
“Robust data collection is necessary to obtain critical insights into manufacturing operations,” said Angela Rapko, product manager, Rockwell Automation. “The new firmware expands the granular, real-time and historical data that can be captured by each historian module. It also makes the software even easier to use, so operators spend less time coding the solution and more time leveraging the information it provides to improve product quality, time-to-market or regulatory compliance.”
The FactoryTalk Historian ME v3.5 update also provides security hardening. The module now uses a self-signed SSL (secure socket layer) certificate out-of-box, for tighter security when viewing module data via the Web.
Robust data collection is necessary to obtain critical insights into manufacturing operations— Angela Rapko, product manager, Rockwell Automation.
New add-on profile (AOP) functionality helps operators proactively monitor the health of their module via a dashboard or notifications. Detailed information can be obtained for any controller the FactoryTalk Historian ME module is connected to, and AOPs can be configured while the controller remains online.
FactoryTalk Historian ME v3.5 module allows a single module to collect up to 2,500 data points from five local and five remote controllers connected via Ethernet. Remote data collection via the module is ideal for applications requiring a collection speed of 500 milliseconds or slower. Local data collection can reach speeds as fast as 10 milliseconds. The new software is currently shipping with FactoryTalk Historian ME modules. Existing FactoryTalk Historian ME users can download the firmware update.
